A pilot study of vitamins to lower plasma homocysteine levels in Alzheimer disease

Paul S. Aisen, Susan Egelko, Howard Andrews, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Myron Weiner, Charles DeCarli, William Jagust, Joshua W. Miller, Ralph Green, Karen Bell, Mary Sano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Authors determined the impact of high-dose vitamin supplements on plasma homocysteine levels in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Authors used an open-label trial of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6, in combination for 8 weeks, with measurement of plasma homocysteine levels in the fasting state and after methionine-loading. A total of 69 subjects with AD were enrolled, including 33 who were taking standard multivitamin supplements; 66 were available at 8-week follow-up. Results: The high-dose vitamin regimen was associated with a significant reduction in fasting and postmethionine-loading homocysteine. Reductions were greater in the subgroup not using multivitamins, but were also significant in the multivitamin users. Conclusion: High-dose vitamin supplementation reduces homocysteine levels in patients with AD. The effect of supplementation on rate of cognitive decline will be assessed later in a randomized, double-blind study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)246-249
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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