Background: Dementia is a neuro-degenerative disease characterized by a decrease in memory, attention and cognitive functions. The oxidant-antioxidant mechanism in the body plays an important role in aging and pathogenesis of various diseases including dementia.

Objective: The present study assessed the levels of antioxidants (Superoxide dismutase and catalase) and Malondialdehyde (indicator of lipid peroxidation) in blood of patients with dementia.

Methods: Blood levels of oxidative markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde) were measured using standard methods in 30 patients of Alzheimer’s dementia and 30 non-demented age and sex matched subjects.

Results: There was decrease in anti-oxidant levels with an increase in serum malondialdehyde levels in patients with dementia.

Conclusion: Alteration in oxidative stress markers may play an important role in pathogenesis of neurological diseases like dementia.

Keywords: Superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, oxidative damage