Minimal hippocampal width relates to plasma homocysteine in community-dwelling older people.
BACKGROUND
The hippocampus is important for memory. Hippocampal atrophy and higher levels of homocysteine may both predict cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling older people. We tested if higher homocysteine relates to hippocampal thinning in this group.


METHODS
156 community-dwelling volunteers without clinical memory problems.


METHODS
We measured minimal hippocampal widths on magnetic resonance images and homocysteine in plasma.


RESULTS
Minimal hippocampal widths related inversely to homocysteine levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that, even in healthy older people, homocysteine may damage the hippocampus. Reducing homocysteine levels in healthy older people may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Williams
Jonathan H
JH
Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford and Radcliffe Infirmary Trust, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK. Jonathan.Williams@pharm.ox.ac.uk
Pereira
Erlick A C
EA
Budge
Marc M
MM
Bradley
Kevin M
KM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001284:Atrophy / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics
D006710:Homocysteine