International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jul 2007
APOE and cytokines as biological markers for recovery of prevalent delirium in elderly medical inpatients.
Delirium frequently occurs in the context of infection and other inflammatory conditions associated with elevated levels of cytokines. Cytokines used therapeutically can induce symptoms of delirium as an adverse effect. We hypothesized that a causal relationship might exist between delirium and cytokine production during illness. Further, we speculated that the APOE genotype of patients might influence their rate of recovery from delirium given that APOE is associated with amyloid deposition, increased susceptibility to exogenous neurotoxins, and can affect the immune response. ⋯ A relationship between delirium with APOE genotype, IFN-gamma, and IGF-I, but not with IL-6, IL-1, TNF-alpha, and LIF was found. A predictive model of recovery was derived from gender, APOE status, and IGF-I levels. This model needs replication with further studies.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jul 2007
Prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a large sample of Dutch nursing home patients with dementia.
To estimate the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia patients in Dutch nursing homes. ⋯ Prevalence rates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Dutch nursing home patients with dementia residing in SCUs are high, especially agitation and apathy. Insight into the prevalence rates of individual symptoms in patients with dementia has important practical consequences for the accurate planning of staff allotment and stresses the need for patient oriented care.