Higher Homocysteine, Lower Bs Impact Cognitive Function

SINGAPORE—In older adults, elevated homocysteine adversely impacts constructional ability and processing speed, while higher levels of folate benefit memory and language, according to a new study (Am J Clin Nutr, 84, 6:1506-12, 2006). Researchers from the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Health Service measured homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in 451 Chinese adults aged 55 or older with higher cognitive function and considered fully independent based on the Activities of Daily Living score.

Homocysteine levels were inversely associated with performance on the Block Design and Symbol Digit Modality tests, which assess construction skills and processing speed. Folate was significantly associated with delayed recall, verbal learning, percentage of forgetting and verbal fluency. The researchers concluded homocysteine and folate have differential effects on specific cognitive functions.

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