Comparison of behavioral and psychological symptoms in early‐onset and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease

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Abstract
Background: When comparing with early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EO‐AD) and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LO‐AD), some symptomatological differences in clinical features can be seen between them. Rapid progression, more severe language problems or visuospatial dysfunction occur more often in EO‐AD patients. However, there have been very few reports about the differences in behavioral and psychological symptoms between these two groups.Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the differences in behavioral symptoms between EO‐AD and LO‐AD groups.Method: Three hundred and seven consecutive outpatients with AD were put into an EO‐AD group (46 patients) or a LO‐AD group (261 patients). Comprehensive assessment batteries, including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), were administered at the first medical assessment.Results: Significant differences were found between the EO‐AD and LO‐AD groups in terms of NPI total score (EO‐AD: 10.3 ± 10.9, LO‐AD: 17.8 ± 17.0, p = 0.004) and number of patients who experienced each NPI subscale score (delusion; EO‐AD: 13.0%, LO‐AD: 50.6%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in cognitive functions or dementia severity between two groups.Conclusion: In EO‐AD, behavioral and psychological symptoms are relatively fewer than LO‐AD at the first medical assessment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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