Plasma cholinesterase activities in dementias, depressions and schizophrenia

Abstract

SUMMARYPlasma 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 S D A T and MID, and patients with endogenous and reactive depression. The potential use of such tests is discussed.KEY WORDS-ChOlineSteraSeS, senile dementia, SDAT, multi-infarct dementia MID, depressive disorder, schizophrenia.