Homocysteine, Tryptophan, and Cognition in the Very Old

We thank Gostner et  al for their comments on our article “One-Carbon Metabolism Biomarkers and Cognitive Decline in the Very Old: The Newcastle 85+ Study.”1 In their letter to the Editor, Gostner et al highlight the complexity of the underlying metabolic processes and conclude that “The question arises whethe r the inclusion of tryptophan metabolism measurements would allow better conclusions about relevant biochemical pathways and neurotransmitters in the development of cognitive decline in the elderly than homocysteine and 1-carbon (1-C) metabolism can do because alterations of the latter metabolic pat hways are most probably secondary to immune activation and inflammation.”2 While further measurements would be beneficial in elucidating the link between 1-C metabolism and cognition, we think that it is unlikely that immune activation and inflammation are the main causes for altered 1-C metabolis m.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research
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