Manabu Ikeda

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.

Background: Delusions of theft (delusions involving the theft of possessions) are one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD).Objective: The current study investigated the presence and extent of such delusions before and after drug treatment in a group of AD patients, and the consequent effects on the burden of care on caregivers.Method: The study was an open‐label cohort design. The delusions studied consisted only of those involving theft of possessions. Sixteen AD patients served as subjects in order to assess the efficacy of Risperidone administration, in the reduction or elimination of these delusions. The caregiver burden was evaluated using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI) before the administration of Risperidone and 12 weeks after administration, for cases where delusions of theft were eliminated or reduced.Results: The burden of care on caregivers was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) through the elimination or reduction of delusions of theft.Conclusion: Delusions of theft are considered to be a major factor in increasing the burden of care, and the treatment of these, through appropriate drug therapy, is therefore of great importance in the continuation of satisfactory care in the home. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.