The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
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Am J Geriatr Psychiatry · Dec 2010
Course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in residents with dementia in nursing homes over 2-year period.
To determine the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in nursing home residents with dementia and to determine their variability across diagnosis. ⋯ This is the first study examining the 2-year course of NPSs in a large group of nursing home residents with dementia. Virtually all residents demonstrated and/or developed NPSs. Although affective symptoms decreased, apathy tended to increase. Agitated behaviors were particularly persistent. Our data may contribute to improve mental healthcare for demented nursing home residents.
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Am J Geriatr Psychiatry · Dec 2010
Anosognosia in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: frequency and neuropsychological correlates.
To evaluate severity of anosognosia and to identify its neuropsychological correlates in preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's Disease (AD). ⋯ The diagnosis of anosognosia is frequent in patients with mild AD but not in those with MCI. In the latter case, the authors cannot speak of true anosognosia but only of decreased awareness of illness. Furthermore, reduced awareness of cognitive difficulties is linked with verbal memory performances in patients with MCI but not in those with AD, suggesting for the latter the involvement of factors other than neuropsychological. Thus, neuropsychiatric dimensions commonly present in patients with AD should be investigated along with anosognosia.