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Natural history of behavioural changes and psychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease

A longitudinal study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Tony Hope ,
Janet Keene ,
Christopher G. Fairburn ,
Robin Jacoby  and
Rupert McShane
Tony Hope
Affiliation:
University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Janet Keene*
Affiliation:
University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Christopher G. Fairburn
Affiliation:
University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Robin Jacoby
Affiliation:
University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Rupert McShane
Affiliation:
University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
*
Janet M. Keene, University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, England. Tel: +44(0)1865 226391 or 820522; Fax: +44 (0)1865 793101
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Abstract

Background

Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia are characterised by numerous psychiatric and behavioural changes. Little is known of their natural history.

Aims

To investigate the sequence and pattern of these changes throughout the course of dementia.

Method

One hundred people, initially living at home with carers, entered a prospective, longitudinal study. At four-monthly intervals, behavioural and psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Present Behavioural Examination and Mini-Mental State Examination. Follow-up continued for up to nine years (mean 3.3 years; s.d. 2.4). Patterns of onset and disappearance of these symptoms, their sequence and association with time of death and cognitive decline were analysed. Autopsy confirmed a diagnosis of pure Alzheimer's disease in 48 subjects. Data for this subgroup are presented.

Results

Some changes tend to occur earlier than others but changes can occur at almost any time in the course of dementia.

Conclusions

The natural history of behaviour changes in Alzheimer's disease shows great individual variation although some changes tend to follow a recognisable sequence.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 174 , Issue 1 , January 1999 , pp. 39 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

Project funded by the Medical Research Council. Further funding from Eli Lilly; C. G. F. supported by the Wellcome Trust.

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