Abstract
BACKGROUND/METHOD: Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) concentration is elevated in elderly patients with mental illness. Plasma tHcy is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease, renal impairment and negative lifestyle factors, and has been shown to predict mortality in human subjects. Epidemiological data on this topic in elderly patients with mental illness are missing. We therefore investigated the association between plasma tHcy levels and mortality in these patients. RESULTS: The group of deceased patients showed higher age, higher plasma tHcy, lower renal function and lower serum folate than patients who were still alive. Only age, plasma tHcy and the presence of vascular disease significantly influenced mortality. CONCLUSION: The association between plasma tHcy level and mortality risk was probably explained in part by the two plasma tHcy determinants age and presence of vascular disease. The determination of plasma tHcy in elderly patients with mental illness may help to identify patients in need of more intensive treatment.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 579-583 |
| Journal | Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Bibliographical note
The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.The record was previously connected to the following departments: Department of Psychogeriatrics (013304000), Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology (013250300)
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Psychiatry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Geriatrics
