Homocysteine – UK Adults Reading Age of 9-11 Doctor Says

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that is produced when the body breaks down protein. It’s not something that typically appears in the food we eat, but it is created in the body from another amino acid called methionine.

Normally, homocysteine is converted into other substances, such as cysteine, with the help of vitamins like B6, B12, and folate (B9). However, if there isn’t enough of these vitamins, homocysteine can build up in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, as it can damage blood vessels and promote clotting.

Doctors sometimes test for homocysteine levels if someone has a family history of cardiovascular issues or if they have other risk factors. Reducing homocysteine levels can often be done with lifestyle changes like improving diet or taking supplements.

Cognitive Decline

Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Research suggests that high homocysteine can have neurotoxic effects, leading to damage to the brain’s blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and potentially accelerating the neurodegenerative processes that contribute to dementia.

It is believed that homocysteine may contribute to the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, and may also impair the function of neurotransmitters and the overall health of neurons.

While homocysteine testing alone isn’t typically used as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can serve as an early indicator or risk factor. Doctors may consider homocysteine levels as part of a broader assessment for cognitive health, especially if there are other risk factors present, like family history or lifestyle factors.

The good news is that lowering homocysteine levels with a combination of B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) has shown some promise in slowing down cognitive decline in individuals with elevated levels, though it’s still an area of ongoing research.

Four Doctors Perspectives

When driving a taxi, you get the luxury of meeting different people from all walks of life. Especially professionals. So it is great to get their perspectives on various subjects, free of charge, haha.

I asked a Surgeon, one in their final year of training, one working for the last year, and another still working as a student on the job. The purpose is to get other professional perspectives on the subject, independent of my research. One Doctor was unaware of it, and the other three acknowledged its role in cognitive decline potentially. I was surprised I had never heard of the name homocysteine before. I get blood work done for general MOT health checks, but never heard of this particular test that can be done. Especially if it could help potentially in cognitive decline, and maybe dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Doctor Response

What the Doctor said was that Doctors only have 10-minute slots and don’t have time to go into specifics like Homocysteine levels unless asked or if there is a reason to investigate. The Doctor then went on to tell me that the average reading age of an adult is 9 years old.

I was very surprised. I confirmed after our conversation, and apparently, there are some sources online that say this to be true, connected to Doctors, so I assume it might well be.  The lady Doctor acknowledged that there needs to be more public awareness campaigns on various health topics, but stressed that people have to take their health into their own hands. In general, what the Doctor was saying is that the general public just wants bite-sized short versions of things. That could well be true in some cases.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

It is a horrific disease. I pick up so many people, and it seems to be getting worse and worse. I pick up many support workers and people who work in the care sector. I have been on the taxis for 18 years. Not once have I heard the word Homocysteine. I am not an expert, but if there is a 1% chance that increasing B Vitamins through food and or supplements could decrease, then it is a subject that needs more awareness on.

Get out rat race

Why is a business about monetizing your passion and getting out of the rat race, talking about subjects that I am not qualified for?

I am just sharing perspectives; people can make their minds up, and more importantly, do additional research some more. Unfortunately, people in the rat race, which is most of the world, neglect their health. So becoming more conscious of the most expensive house we will ever live in is part of getting out of the rat race. So taking care of our house is very relevant. I got my test done from one-day tests online at MET locally.

Approx £145 and got results in 24 hours. When I asked the female doctors about what the researcher said the numbers should be according to the scientific data on the subject, she did not know. My number was approximately 14, the researcher said ideally 7 but less than 10. I will increase my B vitamins, which are needed, and go back in 3 to 6 months to check them again. A Doctor and pharmacist advised me to do this.

Experts on the Subject

Here are some experts on the subject sharing their perspectives. Check them out and cross-reference their findings with those of other experts, sharing your perspectives.

Disclaimer: 

Always seek medical advice from the appropriate professional bodies and experts, also when making decisions.

Nhs England

Watch video 1
The 2nd Horsemen: Homocysteine & B Vitamins