BACKGROUND: The hippocampus is important for memory. Hippocampal atrophy and higher levels of homocysteine may both predict cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling older people. We tested if higher homocysteine relates to hippocampal thinning in this group. SUBJECTS: 156 community-dwelling volunteers without clinical memory problems. METHOD: We measured minimal hippocampal widths on magnetic resonance images and homocysteine in plasma. RESULTS: Minimal hippocampal widths related inversely to homocysteine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that, even in healthy older people, homocysteine may damage the hippocampus. Reducing homocysteine levels in healthy older people may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
BACKGROUND: The hippocampus is important for memory. Hippocampal atrophy and higher levels of homocysteine may both predict cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling older people. We tested if higher homocysteine relates to hippocampal thinning in this group. SUBJECTS: 156 community-dwelling volunteers without clinical memory problems. METHOD: We measured minimal hippocampal widths on magnetic resonance images and homocysteine in plasma. RESULTS: Minimal hippocampal widths related inversely to homocysteine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that, even in healthy older people, homocysteine may damage the hippocampus. Reducing homocysteine levels in healthy older people may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Authors: Kirk I Erickson; Barbara L Suever; Ruchika Shaurya Prakash; Stanley J Colcombe; Edward McAuley; Arthur F Kramer Journal: Brain Res Date: 2008-01-26 Impact factor: 3.252
Authors: A David Smith; Stephen M Smith; Celeste A de Jager; Philippa Whitbread; Carole Johnston; Grzegorz Agacinski; Abderrahim Oulhaj; Kevin M Bradley; Robin Jacoby; Helga Refsum Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-09-08 Impact factor: 3.240