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Cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease and its related factors in a memory clinic setting, Shanghai, China.
- Source :
- PLoS ONE, Vol 9, Iss 4, p e95755 (2014)
- Publication Year :
- 2014
- Publisher :
- Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2014.
-
Abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Progressive cognitive decline is a characteristic hallmark of AD. It is important to identify prognostic markers to improve patient care and long-term planning. We aimed to identify the characteristics of disease progression in AD patients, focusing on cognitive decline and its related factors. METHODS: Clinically diagnosed AD patients in a memory clinic were followed. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and a battery of other neuropsychological tests were performed to assess the rate of cognitive decline and to analyze the related factors. RESULTS: A total of 165 AD patients were analyzed for cognitive changes. The MMSE scores declined at a rate of 1.52 points per year. Most neuropsychological test scores deteriorated significantly over time. Younger and early-onset AD patients deteriorated more rapidly than older and late-onset patients in global cognition and executive function. Men declined faster in memory but slower in attention than women. Higher education was associated with more rapid deterioration in visuo-spatial ability. Family history, hypertension and cerebral vascular disease were also associated with disease progression. CONCLUSION: Attention, executive and visuo-spatial functions deteriorate at faster rates than other cognitive functions in AD patients. Age and age at onset were the main factors that associated with deterioration.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19326203
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- PLoS ONE
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.500e6179b204d3ab39f354ad7603834
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0095755