Turkish Journal of Geriatrics 2005 , Vol 8, Issue 3
PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE, B VITAMINS LEVELS AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN THE ELDERLY AND DEMENTIAS
Yahya KARAMAN
Homocysteine (Hc) is a precursor of methionine and cysteine. Folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 are needed for to conversion of homocycteine to methionine and cysteine. Deficiencies of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, result in increased plasma levels of homocysteine.

Hyperhomosisteinemi is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases and dementia (especially vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease-AD).

Recent studies have identified important cellular mechanisms by which Hc may contribute to the development of endotelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis There is evidence of a clinically significant synergistic relationship between cerebrovascular disease and AD pathophysiology. Elevated plasma Hc levels has emerged as a vascular risk factor and vascular factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.

In this review article the relationship between Hc and dementia was discussed in light of the important findings recently reported literature. Keywords : Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Folate, Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia