Homocysteine and Alzheimer’s disease: a literature review

Abstract

Increasing evidence in recent years suggests homocysteine (Hcy) is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and that modifying this risk factor may be an alternative approach to delaying or preventing onset of this disease. However, intervention studies suggest inconsistent effects of folic acid supplementation, with or without vitamin B12, on the prevention of incident AD. Studies with Hcy-lowering therapy show beneficial effects of B vitamins in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially in those with high Hcy levels. Further studies are needed to confirm elevated Hcy levels as a potentially treatable risk factor for AD.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) / homocysteine / folic acid / vitamin B12