Alzheimer's Society reaction to research into the link between folic acid and dementia
Published 13 November 2007
Dr Andrew McCaddon from the University of Wales has carried out research that indicates that homocysteine levels could be a reliable early indication of dementia.
Homocysteine levels rise if someone has low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12.
Dr Richard Harvey, director of research, said
'The findings of this study yet again point the finger at vascular risk factors as being important risk factors for dementia. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and now high homocysteine levels all appear to increase our risk of developing dementia.
'What needs to happen next are properly designed clinical trials to randomly allocate people to homocysteine lowering treatments (such as folate supplements) or a placebo. If such a study showed that lowering homocysteine levels reduced the risk of dementia then a causal link would be confirmed and firm treatment recommendations made.'
