"The present study was conducted to compare the trace elements and oxidative status between uremic patients with and without dementia. Chronic hemodialysis patients with dementia (n = 20) and without dementia (n = 25), and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 20) were enrolled," scientists in Taichung, Taiwan report (see also Dementia).

"The nutritional status, blood levels of trace elements aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl production, antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured. No significant difference in nutritional status or clinical characteristics was observed between nondementia and dementia patients. However, uremic patients with dementia have significantly higher Al, Cu, and Mg and lower Zn concentrations, as well as increased Cu/Zn ratio in comparison to nondementia patients. There were statistically significant increased MDA and carbonyl production and decreased GPx and GR activities in dementia patients. Furthermore, the significant associations of Al, Mg, and Cu/Zn ratio with oxidative status in patients with dementia were noted. The dementia may initially worsen with abnormal metabolism of trace elements and oxidative stress occurrence," wrote C.H. Guo and colleagues, HungKuang University.

The researchers concluded: "Our results suggest that abnormalities in trace element levels are associated with oxidative stress and may be a major risk factor in the dementia development of uremic patients."

Guo and colleagues published their study in Biological Trace Element Research (Alterations in Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress in Uremic Patients with Dementia. Biological Trace Element Research, 2009;131(1):13-24).

For additional information, contact C.H. Guo, Hung Kuang University, Institute Biomedical Nutrition, Taichung 433, Taiwan.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Biological Trace Element Research is: Humana Press Inc., 999 Riverview Drive Suite 208, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA.

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