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Folate and amine metabolites in senile dementia: a combined trial and biochemical study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

David M. Shaw
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, Carshalton, and West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surrey
David A. Macsweeney
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, Carshalton, and West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surrey
Anthony L. Johnson
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, Carshalton, and West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surrey
Ruth O'Keeffe
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Neuropsychiatry Unit, Carshalton, and West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surrey
D. Naidoo
Affiliation:
Cane Hill Hospital, Coulsdon, Surrey
D. M. Macleods
Affiliation:
Cane Hill Hospital, Coulsdon, Surrey
Sudha Jog
Affiliation:
Cane Hill Hospital, Coulsdon, Surrey
John M. Preece
Affiliation:
Area Laboratory, West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surrey
J. M. Crowley
Affiliation:
Area Laboratory, West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surrey

Synopsis

Folate (RBC, serum, CSF) and B12 (serum and CSF) and 5-HIAA and HVA (CSF) concentrations were measured in patients with senile dementia. Those with RBC folate < 130 ng/ml. were given folate/B12 in a double-blind crossover trial. (1) Amine metabolites and folate were unrelated. (2) CSF folate levels rose significantly but slowly on ward diet only independently of the period of intensive replacement. (3) There was no clinical improvement over the 24 weeks of observation but in view of the biochemical findings the period of study may have been too short.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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