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Vitamin B12, Cognition, and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures
Author(s) -
Tangney Christy C,
Aggarwal Neelum T,
Li Hong,
Wilson Robert S,
Evans Denis A,
Morris Martha Clare
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.97.3
Subject(s) - homocysteine , vitamin b12 , cognition , hyperintensity , psychology , magnetic resonance imaging , white matter , medicine , cognitive decline , audiology , brain size , cardiology , dementia , psychiatry , disease , radiology
Background Low total brain volume (TBV) and high white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) have been related to cognitive impairment; vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency has been associated with cognitive decline. Objective To investigate whether serum markers of B12 nutriture (B12, homocysteine, methylmalonate, cystathionine, 2‐methylcitrate) are related to brain volumes and to cognitive performance in a bi‐racial population sample in four Chicago neighborhoods Design Cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective bi‐racial study of 121 older adults of the Chicago Health and Aging Project Outcome Measures Magnetic resonance imaging measures of TBV, WMHV and cerebral infarcts and tests of cognitive performance Results Both serum homocysteine and methylmalonate levels were inversely associated with global cognitive function; only methylmalonate levels were associated with episodic memory and perceptual speed. Homocysteine was related to WMHV and levels of both markers were inversely associated with TBV. The association between homocysteine and TBV was stronger among persons with hypertension. Conclusions Poor vitamin B12 status as evidenced by elevated homocysteine and methylmalonate levels may be associated with reduced TBV and impairment in several cognitive domains. This common, treatable condition may be important role in cognitive decline with aging.