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Plasma cholinesterase activities in dementias, depressions and schizophrenia
Author(s) -
Chipperfield Barbara,
Smith Timothy A. D.,
Moyes Isabel C. A.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.930020408
Subject(s) - cholinesterase , depression (economics) , dementia , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , medicine , psychology , alzheimer's disease , acetylcholinesterase , degenerative disease , endogenous depression , endocrinology , disease , endogeny , psychiatry , chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme , economics , macroeconomics
Plasma cholinesterase activities were measured in a group of elderly patients and controls. Total cholinesterase activity was found to be decreased to a just significant extent in those suffering from endogenous depression when compared to normal controls. There was a highly significant decrease in cholinesterase activity in the plasma of patients suffering from senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) but not in those suffering from multi‐infarct dementia, neurotic depression or chronic schizophrenia. There was a just significant correlation between total cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase activity in the plasma of patients suffering from SDAT and the degree of dementia. There were also significant differences between patients with SDAT and MID, and patients with endogenous and reactive depression. The potential use of such tests is discussed.