Plasma chain-breaking antioxidants in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Parkinson's disease

Authors: Foy, CJ; Passmore, AP; Vahidassr, MD; Young, IS; Lawson, JT

Source: QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 92, Number 1, January 1999 , pp. 39-45(7)

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Abstract:

We studied the plasma chain-breaking antioxidants α and carotene, β carotene, lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and a measure of total antioxidant capacity, TAC, in 79 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 37 patients with vascular dementia (VaD), 18 patients with Parkinson's disease and dementia (PDem), and 58 matching controls, together with 41 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 41 matching controls. Significant reductions in individual antioxidants were observed in all dementia groups. When compared to controls, the following were reduced: Vitamin A in AD (p<0.01) and VaD (p<0.001); Vitamin C in AD (p<0.001), VaD (p<0.001) and PDem (p<0.01); Vitamin E in AD (p<0.01) and VaD (p<0.001); β carotene in VaD (p=0.01); lycopene in PDem (p<0.001). Lycopene was also reduced in PDem compared to AD (p<0.001) and VaD (p<0.001). Antioxidant levels in PD were not depleted. No significant changes in TAC was seen in any group. The reduction in plasma chain-breaking antioxidants in patients with dementia may reflect an increased free-radical activity, and a common role in cognitive impairment in these conditions. Increased free-radical activity in VaD and PDem could be associated with concomitant AD pathology. Individual antioxidant changes are not reflected in TAC.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1999-01-01

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QJM is a long-established, leading general medical journal. It focuses on internal medicine and publishes peer-reviewed articles which promote medical science and practice. Published monthly, QJM includes original papers, editorials, reviews, commentary papers to air controversial issues, and a correspondence column.