Homocysteine Levels and Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Xiao Yan, Gan Lin-Hua, Liang Xiao-Niu, Xu Zhi-Heng, Hu Tian-Yu, Li Xiu-Yuan, Tang Yi-Lin, Wang Jian, Liu Yi-Qi
Primary Institution: Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine and National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Hypothesis
This study aims to explore the association between plasma Hcy levels, cognitive impairment, and dysfunction in various cognitive domains among PD patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Conclusion
The study found a significant link between plasma Hcy levels and PD-MCI, particularly concerning executive dysfunction, even within the normal range of Hcy levels.
Supporting Evidence
- PD-MCI patients showed significant cognitive decline across all cognitive domains.
- Elevated plasma Hcy levels were linked to higher odds of PD-MCI.
- Each additional μmol/L of Hcy was associated with a 115% increase in the odds of PD-MCI.
Takeaway
Higher levels of a substance called homocysteine in the blood can make it harder for people with Parkinson's disease to think clearly, especially when it comes to making decisions.
Methodology
101 PD patients underwent plasma Hcy measurement and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive functions.
Potential Biases
Potential unmeasured confounders such as chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases could influence Hcy levels.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional nature limits the ability to establish causality between Hcy levels and cognitive impairment.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 62.59 years, with 50 PD-MCI patients and 51 PD patients with normal cognition.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0023
Confidence Interval
95% CI = −1.845 ∼−0.401
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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