This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Reply to article  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citation map  • Citing articles on HighWire  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

Jeff Victoroff, MD; Chris Zarow, PhD; Wendy J. Mack, PhD; Edward Hsu, MD; Helena C. Chui, MD

Arch Neurol. 1996;53(5):428-434.

Abstract
Objective
To investigate specific neuropathologic correlates of agitation and physical aggression in Alzheimer disease (AD).

Design
Neuronal counts in the nucleus basalis, locus ceruleus, and substantia nigra were compared in the brains of patients with pathologically definite AD with or without histories of agitation or interpersonal violence.

Setting
Alzheimer disease center of a university department of neurology.

Main Outcome Measures
Neuron densities in the nucleus basalis and absolute neuron counts in the locus ceruleus and substantia nigra pars compacta.

Results
The patients with AD who had histories of unequivocal interpersonal violence had significantly greater neuron counts in the substantia nigra pars compacta than did the nonviolent patients with AD. This finding remained significant after multiple clinical and neuropathologic variables were adjusted for. Neuropathologic findings in the nucleus basalis and locus ceruleus were not different between violent and nonviolent patients.

Conclusion
Preservation of pigmented substantia nigra neurons may be a risk factor for physical aggression in AD.

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Neurology (Drs Victoroff, Zarow, and Chui) and Preventive Medicine (Dr Mack), University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, and the Department of Neurological Sciences and the State of California Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey (Drs Victoroff, Zarow, Hsu, and Chui).

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Disruptive Behavior as a Predictor in Alzheimer Disease
Scarmeas et al.
Arch Neurol 2007;64:1755-1761.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Neuronal Loss Is Greater in the Locus Coeruleus Than Nucleus Basalis and Substantia Nigra in Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases
Zarow et al.
Arch Neurol 2003;60:337-341.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results From the Cardiovascular Health Study
Lyketsos et al.
JAMA 2002;288:1475-1483.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Role of Serotonin in the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Lanctôt et al.
J. Neuropsychiatry Clin. Neurosi. 2001;13:5-21.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Striatal dopaminergic markers in dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: rostrocaudal distribution
Piggott et al.
Brain 1999;122:1449-1468.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Physical Aggression in Dementia Patients and Its Relationship to Depression
Lyketsos et al.
Am. J. Psychiatry 1999;156:66-71.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Dopamine Receptor Genetic Variation, Psychosis, and Aggression in Alzheimer Disease
Sweet et al.
Arch Neurol 1998;55:1335-1340.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Adrenergic Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease Brain: Selective Increases in the Cerebella of Aggressive Patients
Russo-Neustadt and Cotman
J. Neurosci. 1997;17:5573-5580.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT