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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

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

Published on: April 23, 2021

Homocysteine, grey matter and cognitive function in adults with cardiovascular disease

Andrew H Ford1, Griselda J Garrido, Christopher Beer

  • 1Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. andrew.ford@uwa.edu.au

Plos One
|March 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

High total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is linked to cognitive decline and brain atrophy. However, this association is largely explained by age and cardiovascular disease, suggesting it is not causal.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is associated with cognitive impairment, vascular disease, and brain atrophy.
  • Understanding the independent contribution of tHcy to these conditions is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether the association between high tHcy and cerebral grey matter volume and cognitive function is independent of cardiovascular disease.
  • To clarify the role of tHcy in brain health, controlling for major cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 150 volunteers was conducted.
  • Participants were assessed for total plasma homocysteine levels, cerebral grey matter volume, and cognitive function.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to adjust for age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and prevalent cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with high tHcy exhibited a relative loss of grey matter, but this was minimal after adjusting for confounding factors.
  • High tHcy was associated with poorer cognitive scores and reduced grey matter volume, though these differences lacked statistical significance in adjusted models.
  • The observed associations between high tHcy and brain changes/cognitive decline were largely explained by age and cardiovascular disease status.

Conclusions:

  • The association between high tHcy and reduced cerebral grey matter volume and cognitive function decline is primarily mediated by age and cardiovascular diseases.
  • These findings suggest that the relationship between tHcy and negative brain outcomes is not causal.
  • Managing cardiovascular risk factors may mitigate the apparent negative effects of elevated tHcy on brain health.
Abstract

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