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Semin Vasc Med 2005; 5(2): 209-214
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872406
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Homocysteine and Cognitive Function

Aron Troen1 , Irwin Rosenberg1
  • 1Nutrition and Neurocognition Laboratory and Vitamin Metabolism and Aging Laboratory, The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 July 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive impairment and dementia is one of the greatest and most elusive challenges of our time. The prevalence of dementia increases exponentially with age, as does the prevalence of those with micronutrient deficiency. Several studies have shown that elevated homocysteine is correlated with cognitive decline and with cerebral atrophy and that it predicts the subsequent development of dementia in cognitively intact middle-aged and elderly individuals. If elevated homocysteine promotes cognitive dysfunction, then lowering homocysteine by means of B-vitamin supplementation may protect cognitive function by arresting or slowing the disease process.

KEYWORDS

Homocysteine - cognitive function - dementia

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Aron TroenPh.D. 

Nutrition and Neurocognition Laboratory and Vitamin Metabolism and Aging Laboratory

The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts