Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
12:18

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

Homocysteine and cognitive impairment; a case series in a General Practice setting

Andrew McCaddon1

  • 1Wales College of Medicine, Wrexham, UK. andrew@mccaddon.demon.co.uk

Nutrition Journal
|February 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels increase dementia risk. Supplementing with N-acetylcysteine and B vitamins improved cognitive function in patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia, suggesting a potential treatment. Further trials are needed.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Elevated homocysteine is a known risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.
  • Folate and vitamin B12 supplementation can lower homocysteine levels.
  • Antioxidants may be necessary for optimal homocysteine reduction in neurovascular tissue.

Observation:

  • A case series of seven patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia and cognitive impairment was conducted in a general practice setting.
  • Formal cognitive assessments were performed on five patients, and radiological assessments on one patient.
  • Intervention involved supplementation with N-acetylcysteine and B vitamins.

Findings:

  • All patients reported subjective clinical improvement.
  • Five patients demonstrated objective improvement in cognitive scores.
  • One patient showed radiological evidence of halted disease progression over 12 months.

Implications:

  • N-acetylcysteine combined with B vitamins shows promise for improving cognitive status in hyperhomocysteinaemic individuals.
  • This combination therapy may offer a novel approach to managing cognitive decline associated with high homocysteine.
  • Randomized controlled trials are essential to validate these preliminary findings and establish efficacy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing06:58

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing

Published on: January 24, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...