Minimal hippocampal width relates to plasma homocysteine in community-dwelling older people.

BACKGROUND The hippocampus is important for memory. Hippocampal atrophy and higher levels of homocysteine may both predict cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling older people. We tested if higher homocysteine relates to hippocampal thinning in this group. SUBJECTS 156 community-dwelling volunteers without clinical memory problems. METHOD We measured minimal hippocampal widths on magnetic resonance images and homocysteine in plasma. RESULTS Minimal hippocampal widths related inversely to homocysteine levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that, even in healthy older people, homocysteine may damage the hippocampus. Reducing homocysteine levels in healthy older people may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.