Vitamin B12, Homocysteine, and Cognitive Function in the Older Adults Attending a Tertiary Geriatric Psychiatry Center: A Retrospective Case Notes-Based Study
Retrospective study examines vitamin B12 and homocysteine's effect on cognitive function in older adults, suggesting no significant relationship.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the relationship between vitamin B12, homocysteine levels, and cognitive impairment in older adults.
Retrospective case note study with 96 subjects including cognitively normal individuals and those with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.
Cognitive function assessed using the Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE), with serum B12 and homocysteine levels measured.
Statistical analyses including Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and bootstrapped mediation were conducted.
72% of subjects had elevated homocysteine levels (>15 micromol/L) and 33% had low vitamin B12 levels (<200 pg/mL).
No significant correlation was found between HMSE scores and homocysteine or vitamin B12 levels (p > 0.23).
Gender was identified as a significant predictor of cognitive performance, while vitamin B12, homocysteine, and age were not.