Psychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1990 Winter;2(1):28-33. doi: 10.1176/jnp.2.1.28.

Abstract

A retrospective chart review was undertaken to assess the prevalence of specifically defined psychiatric symptoms in 217 outpatients with clinically probable Alzheimer's disease. A weak but significant correlation was found between Alzheimer's disease and suspiciousness and paranoia (reported by 35.5% of patients), delusions (30%), and formed visual hallucinations (18.4%). Mild depressive symptoms, such as sad affect, hopelessness, and helplessness were reported by 40.6% of patients, anxiety and fearfulness by 30.9%, and aggressive acts by 24.9%. Psychotropic medications used to manage these symptoms included antipsychotics, in 11.5% of patients, anxiolytics, in 9.2%, and antidepressants, in 7.4%.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology*
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / diagnosis
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / drug therapy
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology*
  • Personality Assessment
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs