AI Article Synopsis
- Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in the U.S., causing significant emotional and economic burdens, such as a $221 billion cost in 2015 for family care.
- Elevated levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) are linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's, leading to cognitive decline and brain damage.
- A potential new treatment combining 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, methyl B12, betaine, and NAC has not been studied but could target multiple pathways to lower homocysteine levels and reduce its harmful effects.
Article Abstract
In the United States, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, accompanied by substantial economic and emotional costs. During 2015, more than 15 million family members who provided care to AD patients had an estimated total cost of 221 billion dollars. Recent studies have shown that elevated total plasma levels of homocysteine (tHcy), a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), is a risk factor for AD. HHcy is associated with cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and dementia; enhances the vulnerability of neurons to oxidative injury; and damages the blood-brain barrier. Many therapeutic supplements containing vitamin B12 and folate have been studied to help decrease tHcy to a certain degree. However, a therapeutic cocktail approach with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, methyl B12, betaine, and -acetylcysteine (NAC) have not been studied. This novel approach may help target multiple pathways simultaneously to decrease tHcy and its toxicity substantially.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172991 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2155179017722280 | DOI Listing |
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