Impact of the Serum Homocysteine Levels in Patients of Vascular Dementia
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2014, Vol 2, Issue 12
Abstract
Background: Vascular dementia is a degenerative cerebrovascular disorder that results from ischemic or haemorrhagic brain damage. Persons with vascular dementia are at great risk of morbidity and mortality than those with Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated serum total homocysteine level is associated with vascular dementia. Metabolism of homocysteine is closely associated with that of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12. Homocysteine has a neurotoxic effect that could lead to neurologic disturbances. Hence, it is important to explore the status of serum homocysteine in vascular dementia to evolve the treatment strategies for the same. Objectives: To determine the levels of serum homocysteine in cases of vascular dementia and to compare it with age and sex matched controls. Methodology: In this case control study, 30 vascular dementia cases and 30 age and sex matched controls were selected. Serum homocysteine levels were estimated by enzymatic photometric method. Results: Serum homocysteine levels were elevated significantly in cases with 26.28±14.22 (Mean ± SD) compared to 19.44±7.36 in controls with p = 0.023. Pearson correlation of MMSE score with homocysteine levels was found to be significant with p value of 0.009. This indicates that cases with high serum homocysteine levels had more cognitive deficit. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent and modifiable risk factor for vascular dementia, hence vitamin B supplementation should be considered as preventive and therapeutic intervention. It is recommended to measure serum homocysteine levels in all high risk individuals who are prone for cerebrovascular accident and dementia.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Shashikala Lamani
Keywords
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