Intervention effect of folic acid and vitamin B12 on vascular cognitive impairment complicated with hyperhomocysteinemia

Abstract

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) may be correlated with cognitive function. Although intervention with folic acid and VitBi2 can decrease the homocysteine (Hcy) level, its effect on cognitive function remains uncertain. This prospective study aimed to explore the effects of folic acid and VitBi2 on the Hcy level and cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia (VCIND) complicated with HHcy. Methods: A total of 120 patients with VCIND complicated by HHcy were randomly selected. They were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was given 5 mg of folic acid per day and 500 μg of VitB12 thrice per day apart from conventional therapy. Folic acid, VitB12, and Hcy were determined and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and event-related potential P300 determination were performed before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, no significant differences in the folic acid, VitB12, Hcy, MoCA, and P300 parameters were observed between the groups. After treatment, the folic acid and VitB12 levels increased and the Hcy level decreased in the intervention group compared with that before treatment and in the control group. At 24 weeks, the MoCA score and P300 outcomes in the intervention group improved compared with those before treatment and in the control group. Conclusions: Folic acid and VitB12 effectively decrease the Hcy level in VCIND patients and improve their cognitive functions.

Keywords

• cognitive impairment
• cerebrovascular disorder
• hyperhomocysteinemia
• folic acid
• vitamin b12