The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) in senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type--preliminary results.
The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and direct motor response (M) were investigated (latency, amplitude and excitability curves were analyzed) in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT). M responses had similar latencies in SDAT patients and old control subjects. H reflex latencies were similar in SDAT patients and old control subjects but longer than in younger controls. The H max/M max ratio was also lower in SDAT patients and old control subjects than in younger controls. The excitability curve of the H-reflex (using a double shock procedure) in SDAT patients was lower than in non-demented old controls for all values of the interstimulus intervals.
Lamour
Y
Y
Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Université Paris VI, France.
Willer
J C
JC
Roudier
M
M
Davous
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000294:innervation; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012023:Reflex, Monosynaptic; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology