Decreased cutaneous vasodilatation to isometric handgrip exercise in Alzheimer's disease

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;17(4):371-4. doi: 10.1002/gps.609.

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous active vasodilatation is a cholinergic nerve mediated function of the sympathetic nervous system and the disturbed function of cholinergic neurotransmission is known as a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: To assess this relationship, skin blood flow (SkBF) and other haemodynamic parameters were determined by a simple vasodilatory test, isometric handgrip exercise (IHG), in 22 late-onset sporadic type AD and 20 aged control persons (AC).

Results: Significantly higher cutaneous vascular resistance and decreased SkBF were found after the stimulus in the AD group. A smaller reduction (p < 0.03) of R wave intervals on the electrocardiogram was observed in the AD group compared to the AC one. After IHG, change in systolic blood pressure was less in the AD (p < 0.01) than in the AC group.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that autonomic dysfunction affecting active vasodilator sympathetic, as well as parasympathetic functions is present in AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Hand
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skin / blood supply*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Vasodilation*