Ralf-Joachim Schulz1. 1. Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Research Group on Geriatrics at 'Ev. Geriatriezentrum Berlin', Berlin, Germany. ralf-joachim.schulz@charite.de
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Homocysteine and B vitamins have been investigated in association with cognitive dysfunction in healthy and in multimorbid elderly patients. Whether reduction of hyperhomocystemia is reducing the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease is still under investigation. RECENT FINDINGS: High homocysteine concentrations are associated with poorer cognitive function but can be influenced by a number of factors. The results of epidemiological studies are inconsistent in showing an association between elevated homocysteine levels and dementia or Alzheimer disease. Although prospective studies show a trend towards a benefit of homocysteine-related B vitamin substitution, consistent data are expected from upcoming clinical intervention trials. Data from recent clinical randomized trials including various cognitive tests, different aging groups and supplements in different doses are not sufficient to allow recommendation of homocysteine-reducing therapy with folate or vitamin B12 substitution. According to the published data it remains to be proven whether a reduction in homocysteine will improve cognitive performance. SUMMARY: Homocysteine by itself is not a useful marker for screening cognitive decline, or Alzheimer disease but works as a surrogate parameter for malnutrition and organ insufficiency in the cognitive-declining patient.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Homocysteine and B vitamins have been investigated in association with cognitive dysfunction in healthy and in multimorbid elderly patients. Whether reduction of hyperhomocystemia is reducing the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease is still under investigation. RECENT FINDINGS: High homocysteine concentrations are associated with poorer cognitive function but can be influenced by a number of factors. The results of epidemiological studies are inconsistent in showing an association between elevated homocysteine levels and dementia or Alzheimer disease. Although prospective studies show a trend towards a benefit of homocysteine-related B vitamin substitution, consistent data are expected from upcoming clinical intervention trials. Data from recent clinical randomized trials including various cognitive tests, different aging groups and supplements in different doses are not sufficient to allow recommendation of homocysteine-reducing therapy with folate or vitamin B12 substitution. According to the published data it remains to be proven whether a reduction in homocysteine will improve cognitive performance. SUMMARY:Homocysteine by itself is not a useful marker for screening cognitive decline, or Alzheimer disease but works as a surrogate parameter for malnutrition and organ insufficiency in the cognitive-declining patient.
Authors: Tamer Rabie; Wolfgang Mühlhofer; Thomas Bruckner; Anna Schwab; Alexander T Bauer; Manfred Zimmermann; Dieter Bonke; Hugo H Marti; Johannes Schenkel Journal: J Mol Neurosci Date: 2009-09-24 Impact factor: 3.444
Authors: S Hengstermann; G Laemmler; A Hanemann; A Schweter; E Steinhagen-Thiessen; A Lun; R-J Schulz Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: S Hengstermann; A Hanemann; R Nieczaj; N Abdollahnia; A Schweter; E Steinhagen-Thiessen; A Lun; G Lämmler; R-J Schulz Journal: Z Gerontol Geriatr Date: 2008-06-13 Impact factor: 1.281
Authors: S Hengstermann; G Laemmler; A Hanemann; A Schweter; E Steinhagen-Thiessen; A Lun; R-J Schulz Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2008 Jun-Jul Impact factor: 4.075