Age-Dependent Association Between Elevated Homocysteine and Cognitive Impairment in a Post-stroke Population: A...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biochemistry
• Gerontology

Background:

• Inconsistent findings exist regarding the link between homocysteine (Hcy) and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).
• The influence of age on the Hcy-PSCI association remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between homocysteine levels, age, and cognitive impairment in patients following an acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Main Methods:

• Serum Hcy levels and cognitive function (using MMSE) were assessed in 592 AIS patients.
• Patients were stratified by age (≤65 and >65 years).
• Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the association between baseline Hcy and cognitive impairment.

Main Results:

• Over half (53.5%) of patients exhibited cognitive impairment post-stroke.
• Higher Hcy levels correlated with increased risk of cognitive impairment (p < 0.001).
• The association between elevated Hcy and cognitive impairment was significant in younger patients (<65 years) but not in older patients.

Conclusions:

• Elevated Hcy levels during the acute phase of AIS are an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment.
• This association is age-dependent, being more pronounced in individuals under 65.
• Monitoring Hcy levels is crucial for stroke patients, especially younger ones, to mitigate cognitive decline.