What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias?
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Introduction
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias are progressive neurological disorders characterized by a decline in cognitive function and various neuropsychiatric symptoms. Understanding the symptoms associated with these conditions is crucial for diagnosis, management, and care.
Key Insights
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Cognitive Impairment:
- Progressive memory loss and impairment in other cognitive functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, and language are hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease .
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Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS):
- Common NPS in Alzheimer's disease include agitation, apathy, depression, delusions, and anxiety .
- These symptoms are linked to dysfunctions in specific brain regions such as the frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and hippocampus .
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Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD):
- BPSD are prevalent in Alzheimer's disease and include apathy, aberrant motor activity, dysphoria, and anxiety. These symptoms often increase in frequency and severity as the disease progresses .
- BPSD can appear early in the disease and may serve as early indicators of dementia .
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Non-Cognitive Symptoms:
- Non-cognitive symptoms such as gait and balance dysfunction, olfactory dysfunction, and pain are also associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Mood Symptoms:
- Mood symptoms like aggression, depression, and anxiety are common in Alzheimer's disease and are collectively referred to as neuropsychiatric symptoms .
Conclusion
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are characterized by a combination of cognitive impairments, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and non-cognitive symptoms. Cognitive decline, particularly in memory and reasoning, is a primary feature, while neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, apathy, and depression are also prevalent. Behavioral and psychological symptoms, including apathy and aberrant motor activity, often increase with disease severity. Non-cognitive symptoms like gait dysfunction and pain further complicate the clinical picture. Understanding these symptoms is essential for effective diagnosis and management of dementia.
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