L Manavifar, H Nemati Karimooy , A Nejat Shokuhi , A Sheerdel , M Shakeri , M Mahjoob ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (22 2009)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Incidence of neurocognitive and psychologic disorders in elderly seems to become high There are numerous factors affecting neurocognitive functions like vascular factors, Vitamin B12 and folate and homocysteine levels. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between neurocognitive- psychologic markers and homocystein (Hcy), V.B12 (Cobalamin) and folate in serum.
Methods: Two hundred eighty elderly people admitted to Emam Reza Teaching Hospital in Mashahd, Iran. neurocognitive-psychologic disorders was diagnosed by a trained physician. Serum cobalamin, folate and homocystein measured by RIAand ELIZA methods, respectively.
Results: Based on Hcy>15 µmol/l level, cut off point <330 pg/ml for serum cobalamin and <6.5 ng/ml for folate deficiency defined as deficiency. The correlation between cobalamin and folate was statistically significant (p=0.000). Hemocystein correlated inversely to cobalamin (p=0.001) and folate (p=0.044). There were no statistical significant between Cobalamin, Folate and Hcv>15µmol/l and neurocognitive & psychologic markers unless Deep Tendon reflex test (P=0.04). All patients with dementia had hyperhemocysteinemia.
Conclusions: Despite the plausible biochemical mechanism, further diagnostic studies, based on clinical, neuropsychological, laboratory features will be necessary to better understand this fascinating biochemical challenge.
