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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