Study: Elevated Level of an Amino Acid Risk Factor for Alzheimer's

An elevated level of homocysteine, an amino acid, is a strong risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and Tufts University.

Previous research has shown that elevated plasma levels of homocysteine have been linked with poor cognition and dementia.

Researchers developed a study of newly diagnosed dementia to establish whether the elevated homocysteine levels precede the onset of dementia or result from dementia-linked nutritional and vitamin deficiencies.

A total of 1,092 participants (667 women and 425 men; average age of 76) without dementia participated in the study. Homocysteine levels were recorded at the start of the study and were compared with levels eight years later, and again after dementia was diagnosed during follow up.

Dementia developed in 111 participants, including 83 diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers found that the risk of Alzheimer's disease was nearly double for the participants who had higher levels of homocysteine, according to their report in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Investigators speculate that the use of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12, known to reduce homocysteine levels, may prove helpful in preventing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Current research is being planned by the National Institute on Aging to test the theory.

Other sources: New England Journal of Medicine