[Content of amino acids, ionized forms of calcium and acetylcholinesterase in the cerebral cortex in senile dementia].

A comparative examination of the 10th and 21st cerebral fields in six patients with senile dementia versus eight mentally healthy subjects of the same age has shown a considerable decrease in the activity of sulfhydryl and an increased activity of disulfide groups in neurons as well as significantly lowered levels of the ionized forms of calcium. These data are suggestive of upset acetylcholine metabolism in senile dementia.