Hyperhomocysteinemia in dementia

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a strong risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular d isease, and elevated serum homocysteine is correlated with vitamin B defici ency. In this pilot study, significantly elevated homocysteine levels were found in patients with Alzheimer's disease as well as in patients with vasc ular dementia, probably indicating similar pathophysiological pathways. We found significant correlations between low folic acid concentrations as wel l as high homocysteine concentrations and cognitive decline. Supplementatio n with folic acid may be an inexpensive way to reduce elevated homocysteine levels in demented patients.