Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug
Published on: May 17, 2024
Homocysteine and cognition: A systematic review of 111 studies
Esther Setién-Suero1, Marta Suárez-Pinilla2, Paula Suárez-Pinilla1
1University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBERSAM, Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health Area, Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, Santander, Spain.
Insights
Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels are linked to cognitive decline in various conditions. Early detection of high Hcy may help prevent cognitive impairment and dementia, but vitamin supplements show no benefit.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with cognitive dysfunction across diverse conditions.
- Understanding the specific cognitive domains and populations affected by Hcy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the relationship between plasma Hcy levels and cognitive performance.
- To identify the cognitive domains and populations most impacted by elevated Hcy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 111 articles (cohort, randomized trials, case-control, cross-sectional studies).
- Meta-analyses were performed where effect sizes were available and combinable.
Main Results:
- A positive trend was observed between increased plasma Hcy concentrations and cognitive decline in the general population and patients with cognitive impairments.
- Meta-analyses confirmed this trend.
- Vitamin supplementation did not demonstrate a reduction in cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between Hcy and cognitive function.
- Early detection of elevated Hcy levels could be a key intervention for preventing cognitive impairment and dementia.
Background:
Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been associated with cognitive dysfunction in a wide range of conditions. The aim of this review is to establish which cognitive domains and populations are the most affected.
Methods:
We systematically review the literature and consider all articles that showed any relationship between plasma Hcy levels and scores achieved on cognitive performance tests in both, the general population and patients suffering from central nervous system disorders and other diseases. When effect sizes were available and combinable, several meta-analyses were performed.
Results:
We found 111 pertinent articles. There were 24 cohort studies, 18 randomized trials, 21 case-control studies, and 48 cross-sectional studies. This review reveals a positive trend between cognitive decline and increased plasma Hcy concentrations in general population and in patients with cognitive impairments. Results from the meta-analyses also confirm this trend. Treatment with vitamin supplementation fails to show a reduction in cognitive decline.
Discussion:
Further investigations are warranted to clarify this relationship. Earlier detection of the elevated Hcy levels may be an effective intervention to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
01:29The Influence of Affect on Cognition
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...