We compared CSF and serum levels, and the CST/serum ratio of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), measured by HPLC, in 44 apparently well-nourished patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 37 matched controls. CSF and serum vitamin E levels were correlated, both in AD patients and in controls. The mean CSF and serum vitamin E levels were significantly lower in AD patients, and the CSF/serum ratio of AD patients did not differ significantly between the 2 study groups. CSF vitamin E levels did not correlate with age, age at onset, duration of the disease and score of the Minimental State Examination in the AD group. Weight and body mass index were significantly lower in AD patients than in controls. These results suggest that low CSF and serum vitamin E concentrations in AD patients could be related with a deficiency of dietary intake of vitamin E.

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We measured the CSF levels of 21 and the plasma levels of 24 amino acids in 37 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in 32 matched controls. We used an ion-exchange chromatography method. When compared with controls, AD patients had lower CSF levels of phosphoserine, citrulline, alfa-aminobutyric acid, methionine, and ethanolamine; and higher CSF levels of threonine, serine, lysine, histidine and arginine. However, when expressed relative to CSF protein, CSF levels of serine, lysine, histidine, and arginine, were normal. AD patients had higher plasma levels of phosphoserine, threonine, citrulline, hydroxyproline, and proline; and lower plasma levels of alfa-aminobutyric acid, methionine, leucine and ethanolamine. The CSF/plasma ratios of phosphoserine, serine, citrulline, alfa-aminobutyric acid and arginine were significantly lower in AD patients than those of controls. CSF amino acid levels were not related with the duration and severity of the disease.