Serum levels of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and vitamin A in patients with Alzheimer's disease

To elucidate the possible role of carotenoids and vitamin A as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), we compared serum levels of beta-carotene an d alpha-carotene, and vitamin A, measured by isocratic high performance liq uid chromatography, of 38 AD patients and 42 controls. The serum levels of alpha-carotene did not differ significantly between AD patients and control groups. However, the serum levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A were sign ificantly lower in the AD-patient group. These values did not correlate to age, age at onset or score on the MiniMental State Examination. Weight and body mass index were significantly lower in AD patients than in controls. T hese results suggest that low serum beta-carotene concentrations in AD pati ents could be related to a deficiency in dietary intake of this provitamin, although its possible relationship with risk for AD could not be excluded. Eur J Neurol 6:495-497 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.