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Published on: April 23, 2021
Total serum homocysteine levels do not identify cognitive dysfunction in multimorbid elderly patients
S Hengstermann1, G Laemmler, A Hanemann
1Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Research Group on Geriatrics at Ev. Geriatriezentrum Berlin, Reinickendorfer Strasse 61, 13347 Berlin, Germany.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|June 13, 2008
Summary
In multimorbid elderly patients, elevated total homocysteine (Hcys) levels were common but did not correlate with cognitive dysfunction. Folate and vitamin B12 levels remained normal, suggesting Hcys is not a reliable marker for cognitive decline in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cognitive dysfunction is a significant concern in elderly populations.
- Previous research explored homocysteine (Hcys) and folate in cognitive health, primarily in non-multimorbid individuals.
- The role of Hcys as a biomarker for cognitive dysfunction in multimorbid elderly patients remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between total serum homocysteine (Hcys) and cognitive dysfunction in multimorbid elderly patients.
- To determine if Hcys is an adequate marker for identifying cognitive dysfunction using the Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in an acute geriatric hospital.
- 189 multimorbid elderly patients were recruited and assessed for cognitive function via SKT and MMSE.
- Biochemical parameters (Hcys, folate, vitamin B12, hemoglobin), nutritional status, and daily living activities were evaluated.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of patients exhibited varying degrees of cognitive dysfunction, including dementia (31.7%).
- Median plasma Hcys levels were elevated by approximately 20% in multimorbid elderly patients, irrespective of cognitive status.
- Serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were within normal ranges, with no significant differences observed across cognitive performance groups.
Conclusions:
- Multimorbid elderly patients frequently present with elevated serum Hcys levels and normal folate and vitamin B12.
- Plasma Hcys levels do not appear to be a significant biological risk factor for cognitive dysfunction in this patient group.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of elevated Hcys in multimorbid elderly patients without cognitive impairment.
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