Importance of plasma cortisol and homocysteine in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease - results from research project
Abstract
Objective: Cortisol and homocysteine are presumed to be risk factors for stress- and age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of plasma cortisol or homocysteine concentration with AD.
Materials and Method: Plasma cortisol and homocysteine concentration were measured in 85 AD patients, and 44 elderly healthy controls. Patients were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague.
Results: Plasma cortisol was positively correlated with cognitive impairment in AD patients. We confirmed significant correlation between homocysteine concentration and the degree of cognitive impairment in AD patients.
Conclusion: The association of high cortisol and high homocysteine with degree of cognitive impairment or stage of dementia in AD indicate potential role of high plasma cortisol and homocysteine as biomarkers of the disease and/or indicators of brain damage during the progression of AD dementia.