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Cross-sectional association between homocysteine and motor function in the elderly
Neurology
|September 27, 2006
Summary
High homocysteine levels in older adults are linked to poorer walking speed and balance. This suggests a vascular component may affect elderly motor function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Elevated homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Motor function decline is common in aging and impacts independence.
- The relationship between tHcy and motor performance in the elderly requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional association between total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and gait and balance measures in elderly individuals.
- To determine if higher tHcy concentrations correlate with impaired motor function in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 3,609 noninstitutionalized subjects aged 65-85 years was analyzed.
- Total homocysteine (tHcy) levels were measured from fasting blood samples.
- Motor function was assessed using walking speed and the modified Tinetti scale.
Main Results:
- Increased tHcy levels were significantly associated with decreased maximum walking speed (p = 0.001).
- Subjects in the highest tHcy quintile had nearly double the odds of low walking speed (OR = 1.9).
- Higher tHcy levels were also linked to poorer balance and gait scores on the modified Tinetti scale (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Elevated homocysteine concentrations are associated with worse motor performance in the elderly.
- These findings support the role of vascular factors in age-related motor decline.
- tHcy may serve as a potential biomarker for motor impairment in older populations.
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