I had the same experience. There is no evidence in Alzheimer's, but as a marker of CVD and consequent dementia through mini-strokes it seem relevant. We refuse to do it.
Dr Ian D Watson
Clinical Director, Clinical Laboratories
Consultant Biochemist & Toxicologist
Dept Clinical Biochemistry
University Hospital Aintree
Lower Lane
Liverpool
L9 7AL
Tel +44 151 529 3575
Fax +44 151 529 3310
-----Original Message-----
From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stuart Jones
Sent: 28 June 2011 15:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Homocysteine and dementia
A GP contacted us today asking why a homocysteine request had not been processed in one of his patients. Since we refer samples for homocysteine this request had been flagged for vetting and subsequently rejected because the only details provided were ?Alzheimer's.
Further questioning revealed that the patient had completed an online Cognitive Function Test through a website, www.foodforthebrain.org, which had generated a report suggesting her GP measure plasma homocysteine. The report suggests supplementing with B12, folate and B6 if homocysteine is above 9.5umol/L (referral lab's range 5.0-15.0) to "reduce the rate of brain shrinkage and memory decline".
Has anybody come across similar requests?
Is there any evidence that such testing is of benefit in these patients?
Thanks
Stuart
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------ACB discussion List Information--------
This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry.
Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content.
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http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk
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http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html
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