3 big reasons to reduce your homocysteine level

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is created as the body breaks down protein. While some homocysteine is necessary, studies show too much homocysteine in the blood increases the risk for memory loss.

The Framingham Offspring Study has provided medical data for 3 generations. A recent analysis of this data shows that higher homocysteine levels are linked to greater risk of memory problems. The average age of individuals in this study was only 61 years old. The study's author suggested that intervention in order to lower homocysteine earlier in the adult life span (40-59 years of age) may prevent even modest memory problems related to higher levels of homocysteine1.

What level of homocysteine is too high?

Data taken from the Framingham Offspring Study found a homocysteine level of greater than10 µmol/L increased the risk of dementia in individuals over 60 years old by 75%.1 In the original cohort of the Framingham Study, a homocysteine level of greater than 14µmol/L doubled the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.2 These two important studies suggest 10-14 µmol/L may represent a range of increased risk.

Talk with your doctor about a simple blood test to determine your homocysteine level and advice about reducing this risk factor.

  1. Elias, MF et al. Homocysteine and Cognitive Performance in the Framingham Offspring Study: Age Is Important. American Journal of Epidemiology 2005; 162:644-653.
  2. Seshadri S, Beiser A, Selhub J, Jacques PF, Rosenberg IH, D'Agostino RB, Wilson PWF, and Wolf PA: Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;346(7):476-483.