The effect of folate and VitB(12) in the treatment of MCI patients with hyperhomocysteinemia

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of folate combined with VitB(12) on serum total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) complicated by hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Methods: (1) A total of 92 MCI patients with HHcy were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (46 cases) and the control group (46 cases). (2) The patients in both groups received the routine treatment for their condition, but patients in the intervention group were also given 5 mg/day of folate and 500 mu g x 3/day of VitB(12). (3) The changes in levels of folate, VitB(12), and tHcy, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and the event-related potential (P300) were observed before and after treatment. Results: (1) There were no statistically significant differences in folate, VitB(12), and tHcy levels, the MoCA score and the P300 between the two groups before treatment. (2) At the 4th, 12th and 24th week, folate and VitB(12) levels in the intervention group were higher than those in the same group before treatment and those in the control group at the same time points, while tHcy levels were lower than those in the same group before treatment and those in the control group at the same time points. (3) At the 24th week, the MoCA score in the control group was lower than before treatment, and the MoCA score in the intervention group was higher than in the same group before treatment and in the control group at the same time point. The P300 latency was shorter than it was in the same group before treatment and in the control group at the same time point. Conclusion: Folate and VitB(12) can effectively reduce levels of tHcy in patients with MCI and improve cognitive function. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.