Study on the homocysteine level and cognitive function in late-onset depression

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between homocysteine(Hcy) level and cognitive function in late-onset depression.

MethodsThe cognitive function in 98 patients with late-onset depression(observation group) and 88 healthy olders(control group) was detected using case-control study method, and the serum levels of Hcy in two groups were enzymatically tested.

ResultsThe Hcy level in observation group was higher than that in control group(P < 0.05).The cognitive function scores in observation group were lower than that in control group(P < 0.01).The results of correlation analysis showed that the Hcy level was not correlated with HAMD score(P>0.05), and the Hcy level was negatively correlated with the total score of MMSE(P < 0.05).

ConclusionsThe levels of Hcy in patients with late-onset depression increase.Compared with the normal elderly population, the cognitive deficits in attention, short-term memory, speech, and executive function in patients with late-onset depression are obvious.