Testing for homocysteine in clinical practice. Issue 1 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nichols, John
• Is Part Of: Nutrition and health. Volume 23:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Homocysteine -- B vitamins -- cardiovascular disease -- folic acid -- brain -- Alzheimer's disease -- cognitive decline -- mental health -- nutrition; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0260106016686094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-1060

Abstract

The theory that raised blood homocysteine is a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease was initially rejected by the medical establishment. Trials of a treatment to lower homocysteine in moderately advanced disease have failed to show benefits (except in those not treated with anti-platelet drug), but there is mounting evidence for a role in treatment of very early disease and as a preventive strategy. Recent evidence has shown that lowering of high blood homocysteine significantly slows cognitive decline and the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease. This is a test that should be done more frequently by National Health Service (NHS) general practitioners and private practitioners.