Relationship between CSF neurotransmitter metabolites and aggressive behavior in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

To assess neurochemical correlates of aggressive behavior in Alzheimer's disease (AD) we examined concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid (5‐HIAA) in lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 11 clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and 12 non‐demented age‐equivalent controls. There were no significant differences between AD patients and controls in CSF HVA concentrations. However, the CSF 5‐HIAA content was significantly lower in AD patients compared to controls. Patients without aggressive behavior had significantly lower concentrations of HVA and 5‐HIAA than those with aggression, in whom concentrations were preserved compared to non‐demented controls.