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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Plasma homocysteine and cognitive decline in older hypertensive subjects

Sunil K Narayan1, Brian K Saxby, Michael J Firbank

  • 1Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

International Psychogeriatrics
|May 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to cognitive decline in older adults, particularly affecting cognition speed and memory. This association appears independent of B12 and folate levels.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gerontology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.
  • The specific cognitive domains affected and independence from B12/folate remain unclear.
  • This study investigates homocysteine's link to cognitive decline in elderly hypertensive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive decline.
  • To determine if homocysteine affects specific cognitive domains.
  • To assess if this relationship is independent of B12 and folate.

Main Methods:

  • 182 hypertensive older adults (mean age 80) without dementia were studied over 3-5 years.
  • Annual cognitive assessments evaluated five cognitive domains.
  • Plasma homocysteine, folate, and B12 levels were measured; multivariate regression analyzed associations.

Main Results:

  • Higher homocysteine independently predicted greater decline in cognition speed and episodic memory.
  • The association with executive function was not significant after accounting for folate.
  • No associations were found for working memory or attention with homocysteine, folate, or B12.

Conclusions:

  • Higher plasma homocysteine is associated with cognitive decline in older hypertensive patients.
  • Cognition speed and episodic memory are particularly vulnerable domains.
  • The role of folate in the homocysteine-executive function relationship warrants further investigation.
Abstract

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