Is There A Simple Test That May Prevent You From Getting Heart Disease?

There is a simple diagnostic test that can helpdisease and other dementias."
doctors to find out whether you are susceptible toThe National Institute on Aging, which funded the
Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, heart disease andcurrent research, is already planning a study to see
strokes. Let me explain how it works.whether high doses of folic acid and vitamins B6 and
Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be measuredB12 can prevent or slow the development of
from a simple blood test. It's also an excellent markerAlzheimer's.
for "methylation" (a detoxification process used byLinks between elevated homocysteine and
our bodies).atherosclerosis, heart disease and strokes are already
The New England Journal of Medicine reported thatwell established.
those with the highest levels of homocysteine areI recommend to all of my patients that their
nearly twice as likely to develop dementia ormultivitamin contain 40 mg. of B6, 400-800
Alzheimer's disease as those with the lowest levels.micrograms of folic acid and 100 microgram of B12.
The study provides "convincing evidence" that highEveryone should be tested for homocysteine levels in
homocysteine levels put the elderly at risk fortheir blood so these degenerative conditions can be
Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia,prevented.
according to Dr. Joseph Loscalzo of Boston University30% of us are "genetically wired" to need much
Medical Center.greater amounts of these nutrients to ward off the
Since certain B vitamins and other nutrients cannegative effects. A simple homocysteine test is
reduce homocysteine levels, Loscalzo notes in anrelatively inexpensive and can be ordered through our
accompanying editorial, "It is intriguing to contemplateoffice. When you make your next appointment,
the possibility that consumption of these vitaminsspeak to us about it or speak to your local doctor.
might prevent the development of Alzheimer's