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Published on: November 22, 2024
Serum anticholinergic activity and cognition in patients with moderate-to-severe dementia
Marci L Chew1, Benoit H Mulsant, Bruce G Pollock
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. mulsantbh@upmc.edu
Objective:
The authors investigated the association between serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) and cognitive performance in a group of patients with moderate-to-severe dementia.
Methods:
SAA and cognitive performance were assessed in 26 patients admitted to a geropsychiatric unit for the treatment of behavioral disturbances associated with dementia. SAA was measured by radioreceptor competitive binding assay. Cognition was tested with the Mini-Mental State Exam and the Severe Impairment Battery.
Results:
Higher SAA was associated with lower cognitive performance.
Conclusion:
This study extends to patients with moderate-to-severe dementia the finding that higher SAA is associated with lower cognitive performance.
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