Significance of increased platelet membrane fluidity in mental disorders of late-life.

Abstract

Increased platelet membrane fluidity, as determined by the fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), appears to be a stable, inherited trait that identifies a prominent subgroup of patients with Alzheimer's disease with distinct clinical features. Evidence bearing on the clinical and biological significance of this genetic source of clinical heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease is presented.