-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
nervous system
Alzheimer's disease
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
The most common cause of dementia in the elderly due to diffuse atrophy of the cerebral cortex and other brain areas.
etiology:
The disease incidence increases with aging. It has not been shown to be clearly genetic, although an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance is a prominent theory, and many sporadic cases occur. Upon autopsy, neurofibrillary tangles are found within the cerebral neurons. Clusters of neuronal processes, called senile plaques or neuritic plaques, are also found.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
The onset is insidious and vague.
Recent memory loss.
Emotional changes: depression, anxiety, bizarre behavior.
Lack of initiative, loss of interest.
Irritability.
Diminished work ability.
Reduced general comprehension.
Easy mood swings
Patient is not fully aware of the changes.
Urinary and fecal incontinence.
Poorly coordinated voluntary movements.
Loss of ability to think, speak, write, read, or move (advanced cases).
lab findings:
Should be done to try to discover a correctable cause of the dementia (see "differential diagnosis"). Otherwise there is no need to do labwork for an Alzheimer's patient. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation (and retroactively on autopsy).
course and prognosis
The course is slow and progressive often over many years, with cerebral functions gradually but relentlessly diminishing. Some pharmacologic agents and alternative medicines appear to be helpful in alleviating symptoms, but no cure has been established. Hospitalization is often necessary in later stages.
differential diagnosis
Space-occupying lesions in the skull.
Metabolic disease: e.g. liver, kidneys, pancreas.
Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Hypothyroidism.
Excessive prescription drug use the elderly patient (a common side-effect is anemia).
Hydrocephalus.
Infectious CNS condition.
Multiple CVA.
Depression.
footnotes