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Cognitive deficit induced by acute tryptophan depletion in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Richard Porter, Professor Brian Lunn, Dr John Gray, Dr Clive Ballard, Professor John O'Brien

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Abstract

Objective: The study assessed the effects on global cognitive function and mood of a reduction of brain serotonin by means of acute tryptophan depletion in 16 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and in 16 cognitively intact comparison subjects. Method: In a double-blind, crossover design, subjects received a tryptophan-free amino acid drink to induce acute tryptophan depletion and, on a separate occasion, a placebo drink containing a balanced mixture of amino acids. On each occasion, ratings of depressed mood were made at baseline and 4 and 7 hours later, and the Modified Mini- Mental State was administered at baseline and 4 hours later. Results: Patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type had a significantly lower mean score on the Modified Mini-Mental State after acute tryptophan depletion than after receiving placebo. The comparison group showed no difference in mean score on the Modified Mini-Mental State after acute tryptophan depletion and after receiving placebo. No significant changes in mood were found in either group. Conclusions: Acute tryptophan depletion significantly impaired cognitive function in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type. Compromised serotonergic function, in combination with cholinergic deficit, may make an important contribution to cognitive decline in dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Porter RJ, Lunn BS, Walker LLM, Gray JM, Ballard CG, O'Brien JT

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry

Year: 2000

Volume: 157

Issue: 4

Pages: 638-640

ISSN (print): 0002-953X

ISSN (electronic): 1535-7228

Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.4.638

DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.157.4.638

PubMed id: 10739429

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