Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows for the noninvasive study of cerebral biochemistry. It has been used to investigate cerebral metabolic changes associated with mental illness in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we will discuss the application of MRS to psychiatric illness in the elderly. Following a brief description of the basic prin ciples of MRS, the use of phosphorus (31P) and proton (1H) MRS to enable a better understanding of normal brain aging, dementia (Alzheimer's disease, multiple subcortical infarct dementia, Down syndrome, frontotemporal demen tia, vascular dementia, age-associated memory impairment, and other dementias), major depression, and electroconvulsive therapy is detailed. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1999; 12:107-117).
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