K J Woodburn1, E C Johnstone. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Place, Edinburgh.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To clinically characterise and diagnostically classify a sample of patients with early-onset dementia and determine the disabilities and nature of decline of each group, during a one year follow up. DESIGN: The Lothian Postgraduate Case Register was used to identify a cohort of 126 live patients of various aetiologies with dementia diagnosed before the age of 65. Each had two assessments approximately one year apart. Demographic; behavioural and psychopathological; neurocognitive; neurological and genetic data were collected and compared. SETTING: Patients were either in long term care or at home. SUBJECTS: Of 126 cases (53 male, 73 female, mean age at referral 58 years), 114 met the diagnostic criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Third Edition dementia; 60 Alzheimer's type Dementia; 13 Multi-infarct Dementia; 14 Alcohol related Dementia; with 25 in a mixed group overlapping these categories; and two in 'other' dementia types. By the second assessment, 18 patients had died and two refused reassessment. RESULTS: Levels of morbidity were high. The Alcohol group had a distinct profile and in general the dementia appeared less severe with minimal deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigates and compares early onset dementia of various types and attempts to provide clear information on their outlook.
OBJECTIVE: To clinically characterise and diagnostically classify a sample of patients with early-onset dementia and determine the disabilities and nature of decline of each group, during a one year follow up. DESIGN: The Lothian Postgraduate Case Register was used to identify a cohort of 126 live patients of various aetiologies with dementia diagnosed before the age of 65. Each had two assessments approximately one year apart. Demographic; behavioural and psychopathological; neurocognitive; neurological and genetic data were collected and compared. SETTING:Patients were either in long term care or at home. SUBJECTS: Of 126 cases (53 male, 73 female, mean age at referral 58 years), 114 met the diagnostic criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Third Edition dementia; 60 Alzheimer's type Dementia; 13 Multi-infarct Dementia; 14 Alcohol related Dementia; with 25 in a mixed group overlapping these categories; and two in 'other' dementia types. By the second assessment, 18 patients had died and two refused reassessment. RESULTS: Levels of morbidity were high. The Alcohol group had a distinct profile and in general the dementia appeared less severe with minimal deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigates and compares early onset dementia of various types and attempts to provide clear information on their outlook.