Alzheimer's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Alzheimer's Disease, including details on diagnosis, memory loss, heredity, treatment, medication.

A 4-year follow-up of very old patients presenting with frontal-subcortical dysfunction compared with Alzheimer's disease patients.

Pfitzenmeyer P, Mourey F, Manckoundia P, d'Athis P

Service de Médecine Gériatrique, Centre de Champmaillot, Dijon, France. ppfitzenmeyer@chu-dijon.fr

BACKGROUND: Frontal-subcortical clinical syndrome (FSCS) is frequently described in elderly patients and consists of specific alterations in cognition and motor functions. This clinical picture may be associated with a high level of dependence and a high mortality risk. OBJECTIVE: We report the risks of institutionalization and death during a follow-up of 4 years in patients showing FSCS. METHODS: The study was initiated in 1998 to compare FSCS patients showing postural and gait abnormalities with Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Follow-up was conducted by means of telephone interviews with the patient's general practitioner over a 4-year period (1998-2002). RESULTS: Both institutionalization and mortality rates were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the FSCS group compared to the AD group. CONCLUSIONS: The high risk of disability and death in FSCS patients suggests that they might require specific care programs that include stimulation in daily living activities in order to reduce the risk of institutionalization and to improve quality of life.

Published 13 December 2004 in Gerontology, 51(1): 62-5.
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