The nucleus basalis of Meynert

Abstract

The nucleus basalis of Meynert has been studied extensively in the recent literature. Interest in this nucleus has resulted from the discovery that it is a major source of cortical cholinergic input and that there is neuronal loss in the nucleus basalis in some dementing illnesses. Consistent and severe involvement of the nucleus basalis of Meynert has been found in Alzheimer's disease and in the dementia accompanying Parkinson's disease. Occasional involvement is present in other dementing illnesses, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinsonism-Dementia complex of Guam, dementia pugilistica, Pick's disease, Korsakoff's syndrome, Down's Syndrome and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. Huntington's disease spares this nucleus. However, the role of the nucleus in cognitive function is as yet undetermined. Even its alteration with normal aging remains controversial. This review details the pathological studies of this region to date, with particular emphasis on the dementias. Its role in the dementias of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is specifically addressed.