Is there a link between dementia and phenylketonuria?
This study searches for causes of dementia by posing the hypothesis that the natural decline in the metabolic functioning associated with aging may mimic the specific "error in metabolism" present in some children at birth that leads to phenylketonuria. Although the Guthrie Test is adequate for children, perhaps a quantitative test is needed for the elderly to detect minute elevations of serum phenylalanine. If a positive relationship could be documented between elevated serum phenylalanine in the elderly and dementia, would a diet low in phenylalanine help prevent some of the manifestations seen in the elderly with dementia? By carefully following these dietary restrictions, would more of the elderly be able to "age in place" in the community and not have to be institutionalized?
Maddox
M A
MA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D015984:Causality; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D010661:Phenylketonurias / Q000150:complications*; D010865:Pilot Projects