12.20.2005
High homocysteine tied to memory loss
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The mobile amino acid homocysteine circulates around the body and when it increases in concentration is related to coronary disease, strokes, and other maladies, including - British researchers now report, cognitive impairment.
It seems to be more important than ever to gain control of the diet, particularly as age increases.
Excerpt from the study: A population based prospective study of elderly British individuals shows that risk of memory loss increases over time with increasing levels of total blood homocysteine and decreasing folate levels.Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Too much of it ups the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke and fatty deposits in peripheral arteries. High circulating levels of homocysteine, especially with advancing age, have also been associated with cognitive impairment. Homocysteine levels in the blood are strongly influenced by diet and genetics. read more>>
