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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry logoLink to Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
. 1982 Feb;45(2):113–119. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.45.2.113

The noradrenergic system in Alzheimer and multi-infarct dementias.

D M Mann, P O Yates, J Hawkes
PMCID: PMC1083037  PMID: 7069423

Abstract

The number of melanin containing nerve cells of the locus coeruleus and vagus nucleus is reduced in Alzheimer's disease by 60% with decrease of 22% in the protein synthetic capability of remaining cells. These changes are matched by reductions in brain noradrenaline in eight regions, averaging 36%. In multi-infarct dementia, however, all three of these features are unchanged. These findings indicate that degeneration of central noradrenergic nerve cells is a specific aspect of the pathogenic process underlying Alzheimer's disease.

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Selected References

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