Amino acid ups Alzheimer's risk; folate may help

February 19, 2002 in Healthy Eating, Nutrition for Older Adults, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Amino acid ups Alzheimer's risk; folate may help

High levels of the amino acid homocysteine may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the new study, the risk of Alzheimer’s was nearly doubled in people with high levels of the amino acid.

The study raises the possibility of preventing dementia by consuming more folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12, which can lower homocysteine levels. But the researchers emphasized that the research does not prove that lowering homocysteine levels will prevent Alzheimer's. The results should encourage future trials to study the effects of vitamin supplements and lowering homocysteine levels on the development of dementia, she said.

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