Immunological functioning in Alzheimer's disease: differential effects of relative left versus right temporoparietal dysfunction

J Neuroimmunol. 2013 Oct 15;263(1-2):128-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.07.011. Epub 2013 Aug 15.

Abstract

The cerebral hemispheres are differentially involved in regulating immunological functioning and the neuropathology associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is asymmetrical. Thus, subgroups of AD patients may exhibit different patterns of immunological dysfunction. We explored this possibility in a group of AD patients and found that patients with low white blood cell counts and low lymphocyte numbers exhibited better performance on tests of right temporoparietal functioning. Also, a significant positive relationship exists between lymph numbers and performance on a test of left temporoparietal functioning. Thus, some AD patients have greater immunological dysfunction based on relative left versus right temporoparietal functioning.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Immunological functioning; Neuropsychological.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / immunology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parietal Lobe / immunology*
  • Parietal Lobe / pathology*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Temporal Lobe / immunology*
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology*