IRON STATUS, MOVEMENT-DISORDERS, AND ACUTE-PHASE RESPONSE IN ELDERLY PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS

The previously reported relation between iron deficiency and movement disorders was studied in a population with a high prevalence of both p roblems. There was no evidence of a direct statistical relation betwee n iron deficiency and movement disorders. Significant associations wer e, however, found between movement disorders and features of the acute phase response to physiological stress. Indices of iron status are kn own to be affected by the acute phase response and it is suggested tha t the previously reported abnormalities in iron status may be secondar y to this.