Journal article
Understanding the Complexity of Early-Onset Dementia
Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), v 16(4), e57897
09 Apr 2024
PMID: 38725758
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, affects millions globally, with its prevalence increasing notably with age. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, however, affects individuals under 65 years old. Unfortunately, diagnosing dementia in patients under 65 years old is quite challenging and is often delayed, missed, or wrong. Thus, we present the case of a 60-year-old female, with a medical history of hypothyroidism and presumed dementia on donepezil, who presented to the emergency department for agitation, dramatic change in personality and behavior, as well as cognitive decline that started in her late 50s. We discuss the importance of performing a thorough history and physical examination, as well as a comprehensive workup for patients who present with dramatic changes in behavior due to the wide range of potential diagnoses. While certain reversible causes, such as hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, and polypharmacy, can be promptly identified and treated, chronic neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease demand a timely evaluation for early multidisciplinary treatment to enhance patient outcomes.
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Details
- Title
- Understanding the Complexity of Early-Onset Dementia
- Creators
- Nicole Ann E Villa - Reading HospitalCharles Wen - Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA Psychiatry, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, USA Psychiatry, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, USA Psychiatry, Reading Hospital Tower Health Systems, West Reading, USAEduardo D Espiridion - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), v 16(4), e57897
- Publisher
- Cureus
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; College of Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001209664200004
- Other Identifier
- 991021889982504721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology