Thyrotropin Response to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in Patients With Dementia of the Alzheimer Type

11 patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type & 11 age-matched control subjects were given the thyrotropin-releasing hormone test. There were significant differences between the groups on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, although neither group met clinical criteria for depression. Items that were significantly different pertained to depressed mood, loss of interest, loss of insight, suicidal ideation, & obsessional symptoms. (21 refs.)