Oleic acid content of red cell membranes in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

Alterations in the fatty acid composition of red cell membranes (RCM) have been demonstrated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) a nd this may be implicated in the associated neurodegeneration. We investiga ted red blood cell membrane fatty acid composition in healthy controls, AD and VaD. Diagnoses were made as probable AD or probable VaD by standardised criteria. Previous observations that RCM linoleic acid content was decreas ed in VaD compared to normal and AD were confirmed. RCM polyunsaturated fat ty acids (PUFAs) were decreased in AD and VaD compared to controls. RCM ole ic acid content in AD was increased compared to normal and VaD. The results show evidence of oxidative stress and differential handling of oleic and l inoleic acid in AD and VaD.