Evaluation of pathologies associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in human autopsy brain tissue

Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) are one of the leading causes of dementia; VCID affects roughly 10‐40% of all dementia patients. A major, yet underrecognized, modifiable risk factor for VCID is hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Defined as elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (a non‐protein‐forming amino acid), most late‐life HHcy is caused by impaired B vitamin absorption. Although HHcy has been recognized as a risk factor for VCID, studies aimed at identifying pathologies associated with HHcy have been lacking.