Serum anticholinergic activity and cognition in patients with moderate-to-severe dementia

Objective: The authors investigated the association between serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) and cognitive performance in a group of patients with moderate-to-severe dementia. Methods: SAA and cognitive performance were assessed in 26 patients admitted to a geropsychiatric unit for the treatment of behavioral disturbances associated with dementia. SAA was measured by radioreceptor competitive binding assay. Cognition was tested with the Mini-Mental State Exam and the Severe Impairment Battery. Results: Higher SAA was associated with lower cognitive performance. Conclusion: This study extends to patients with moderate-to-severe dementia the finding that higher SAA is associated with lower cognitive performance.