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  High Homocysteine Tied to Memory Loss

Dec. 20 (United States)  
 


Wednesday,Dec. 21 (CogLabs Newswire)

NEW YORK-A population based prospective study of elderly British individuals shows that risk of memory loss increases over time with increasing levels of total blood homocysteine and decreasing folate levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Too much of it ups the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke and fatty deposits in peripheral arteries. High circulating levels of homocysteine, especially with advancing age, have also been associated with cognitive impairment. Homocysteine levels in the blood are strongly influenced by diet and genetics.

Folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body.

Dr. Eha Nurk and colleagues at the University of Oxford examined more than 2,100 subjects aged 65 to 67 years at baseline who lived in the community. The investigators measured total plasma homocysteine levels, folate, vitamin B12 and memory at baseline between 1992 and 1993 and then again six years later.

They discovered that subjects showing a memory deficit on a standard test had higher total plasma homocysteine and lower folate levels at follow-up than subjects who did not.

"The risk of memory deficit increased according to quintiles of total homocysteine both at baseline and at follow-up," the authors report in the Annals of Neurology.

The researchers note that clinical trials on memory loss with total homocysteine-reducing therapies and vitamin supplements should be forthcoming and yield promising results.

SOURCE: Annals of Neurology December 2005.

More information


Alzheimer's

Is there any treatment?

There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of AD, medication such as tacrine (Cognex) may alleviate some cognitive symptoms. Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl) may keep some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. A fifth drug, memantine (Namenda), was recently approved for use in the United States. Combining memantine with other AD drugs may be more effective than any single therapy. One controlled clinical trial found that patients receiving donepezil plus memantine had better cognition and other functions than patients receiving donepezil alone. Also, other medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Prevention, through lifestyle changes and mental and physcial exercise, represents one of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of getting the disease, coupled with regular, systematic monitoring.  

What is the prognosis?

AD is a progressive disease, but its course can vary from 5 to 20 years. The most common cause of death in AD patients is infection.  As the population ages and other diseases are brought under control - Alzheimer's becomes a major risk.

What research is being done?


Scientists are currently studying or testing different types of drugs and other substances to determine if they can stop AD progression, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), statins (such as those used for lowering cholesterol), folic acid, gingko biloba, huperzine, and vitamins E, B6, and B12. Studies in basic science are also exploring the potential of vaccines. Regular  'screenings' are being advocated by some - with the U.S. House of Representatives recently passing a bill in support of early memory check-ups.  All advocate a regimen of physical exercise and mental exercise. If you start an exercise regimen or just walking use MemCheck to track your progress.

Read testimonials from scientists and physicians on MemCheck.
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Source: NIH and Cognitive Advisors. For a qualified medical opinion or diagnosis, please see your healthcare provider.  

Famous People and Alzheimers: former President Ronald Reagan, Grambling University football coach Eddie Robinson, actor Charlton Heston, actor James Doohan.