Induction of depression with oxotremorine in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Cholinergic neurotransmission has long been implicated in the development of depression. In this study seven patients with Alzheimer's disease were given oral oxotremorine, a long-acting cholinergic agonist, to assess the drug's effects on cognitive function. There were unexpected depressive reactions in five of the seven patients; three patients dropped out of the study because of the side effects. Cardiovascular effects of the drug were negligible, but its effect on memory and cognition remains unknown because of the small number of subjects who completed the study.