Abstract
High levels of homocysteine are associated with cerebrovascular disease, monoamine neurotransmitters, and depression of mood. A plausible hypothesis for these associations is that high homocysteine levels cause cerebral vascular disease and neurotransmitter deficiency, which cause depression of mood. The homocysteine depression hypothesis, if true, would mandate inclusions of imaging studies for cerebrovascular disease and measures of homocysteine, folate, and B12 and B6 vitamins in the clinical evaluation of older depressed patients. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials should be designed to challenge the hypothesis.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
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Child
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Comorbidity
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Depressive Disorder / blood
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Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
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Depressive Disorder / physiopathology*
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Female
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Folic Acid / metabolism
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Folic Acid / physiology
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Homocysteine / blood
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Homocysteine / physiology*
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Humans
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Hyperhomocysteinemia / epidemiology
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Hyperhomocysteinemia / physiopathology
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Male
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Mutation / genetics
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Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
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Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
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Stroke
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Vitamin B 12 / metabolism
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Vitamin B 12 / physiology
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Vitamin B 6 / metabolism
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Vitamin B 6 / physiology
Substances
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Neurotransmitter Agents
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Homocysteine
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Vitamin B 6
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Folic Acid
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Vitamin B 12