title: Testing for homocysteine in clinical practice.
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.
authors.affiliation: 1 South West Thames Faculty, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nichols
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'
chemical_list: D006710:Homocysteine
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; B vitamins; Homocysteine; brain; cardiovascular disease; cognitive decline; folic acid; mental health; nutrition