Cognitive impairment is associated with elevated serum homocysteine levels among older adults

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the associations between the risk of cognitive impairment and the serum levels of folate, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine (Hcy).MethodsSubjects were persons aged 60-79years who participated in the Yangpyeong Cohort study between 2011 and 2012. Cognitive impairment and normal subjects consisted of 100 pairs of old adults matched by age, sex, and education levels. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS). Pearson's partial correlation coefficients and conditional multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the associations between cognitive function and the serum levels of folate, vitamin B-12, and Hcy.ResultsCompared with the matched normal group, the cognitive impairment group had higher proportions of folate deficiency (<3ng/mL) and hyperhomocysteinemia (15 mu mol/L). Serum Hcy concentrations were inversely associated with serum folate (r=-0.234, p=0.001) and MMSE-DS score (r=-0.150, p=0.037) after adjusting for age, sex, and education. The high Hcy group showed a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (4th vs. 1st quartile, OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.12-9.72, p for trend=0.014) after adjusting for exercise.ConclusionsThe present findings suggest a putative protective role of high serum folate and normal Hcy against cognitive impairment among older adults.