NEUROPEPTIDE CHANGES IN DEMENTIA - PATHOGENETIC IMPLICATIONS AND DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE

The main object of this review is to describe the most significant alt erations of neuropeptide patterns occurring in the brain and in the ce rebral spinal fluid of demented patients and particularly of elderly p atients with Alzheimer type dementia. The changes in concentration in the different brain areas are described along with their peripheral en docrine implications. Alterations in the synthesis and release of neur opeptides may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of dementia in elderly patients, in addition to the well. known changes in classic al neurotransmitter systems. Measurements of neuropeptide levels in ce rebrospinal fluid or postmortem brain material as alleged biological m arkers for the diagnostic purpose, however, have produced controversia l results. Neuropeptide changes in the demented brain show regional di fferences and are not specific and selective enough to differentiate b etween senile dementia, Alzheimer type dementia and other degenerative disorders.