Abstract
Many lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial oxidative stress is important in pathogenesis of dementias. Superoxide anion generated by mitochondria induces lipid peroxidation, synthesis of hydro gen peroxide and betaamyloid plaques formation. Tocopherol the inhibitor of lipid peroxidation and deprenyl the inhibitor of monoaminooxidase prevent the oxidative injury of human brain mitochondria. A placebo-controlled, c1inical trial of tocopherol and deprenyl in subjects with moderately advanced Alzheimer disease indicated, that group treated with tocopherol (2000 lU) or deprenyl (10 mg) may slow functional and mental deterioration.