Hyperhomocysteinemia, Lifestyle Factors and Cognitive Impairment in Healthy Older Subjects in Jordan

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a well recognized risk factor for cognitive impairment in the elderly. Homocystein levels (Hcy) are influenced by a many factors such as age, gender and some lifestyle factors such as smoking, coffee and tea consumption. The aim of the present study is to explore the relationship among plasma Hcy, lifestyle factors including coffee and tea consumption, smoking and cognitive impairment risk. A cross-sectional sample of 63 healthy Jordanian elderly subjects of either sex of age >60 years were examined. All participants completed a questionnaire about lifestyle and health. Plasma Hcy levels were determined for all subjects. The cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). A significant positive associations were seen between the levels of Hcy and the intake of both tea (B = 1.15, p<0.05) and coffee (B = 2.3, p<0.05). Only age (B = -0.2, p<0.05) and tea intake (B = -0.1, p<0.05) were significantly negatively associated with MMSE scores. Only MMSE scores [0.77 (0.62-0.93); p = 0.00] and tea intake [1.7 (1.1-2.7); p = 0.01] were significantly associated with the risk of HHcy. Smoking and coffee consumption were insignificantly associated with the risk of HHcy. Homocysteine was positively associated with cognitive impairment [1.3 (1.1-1.6); p = 0.00]. Only tea intake was associated with the risk of cognitive impairment [1.8 (1.1-2.8); p = 0.00]. Finally, further studies are needed to elucidate the observed non-significant associations among Hcy levels, smoking, coffee intake and the associated cognitive impairment risk.