Alterations in the circadian rest-activity rhythm in aging and Alzheimer's disease.

摘要: The suprachiasmatic nucleus, considered to be the endogenous circadian clock in mammalian brain, shows morphological changes with aging, which become even more pronounced Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order assess possible functional implications of these alterations, rest-activity rhythms 6 young and 13 old volunteers 12 AD patients were studied a recently developed ambulatory monitor (RA24). Young showed no differences their rhythm any variables studied. Comparison controls versus revealed that (1) was markedly disturbed many tended correlated severity dementia; (2) disturbances most subjects using sedating drugs; (3) latter group did not result from medication as found patterns before after administration (4) negative findings reported literature concerning may well have resulted selection criteria excluded severely affected rhythm; (5) monitors offer practical fruitful approach for study humans.