HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Kapen, S. Articles by Drachman, D. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Kapen, S. Articles by Drachman, D. A.

Cholinergic enhancement and REM sleep latency in the aged

Lecithin does not reproduce physostigmine effect

Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA; the Department of Neurology, Wayne State University Medical School, Detroit, MI; and the Department of Neurology, VA Medical Center, Allen Park, MI.

The administration of lecithin has failed to improve memory in aged or demented individuals. We studied the effect of lecithin on another cholinergic function, REM sleep latency. Intravenous doses of physostigmine shortened the latency to the first REM sleep period, but oral lecithin did not. In contrast to physostigmine, brain cholinergic function may not be enhanced by lecithin, which may explain why lecithin does not improve cognitive function.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Kapen, Neurology Service (127), VA Medical Center, Southfield and Outer Drive, Allen Park, MI 48101.

Supported in part by BRSG#6–32459 and the Friedman Fund.

Presented in part at the thirty-seventh annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Dallas, TX, May 1985.

Accepted for publication December 18, 1985.