[Manifestations of Alzheimer's disease in daily living].
From the perspective offered by diagnostic criteria, cognitive rating scales and psychometric tests, Alzheimer's disease appears to be primarily a continuous decline of memory and intelligence. Changes in other areas of behaviour often go unrecognized at examination or are considered insignificant. A completely different view is offered by the reports of care-givers. Here, impairment of everyday activities, abnormal emotional and social behaviours are the most important features. To examine the everyday manifestation of Alzheimer's disease at greater detail, a questionnaire for care-givers was developed. Observations of patients' behaviours as recorded on this instrument demonstrate the presence of significant changes of affect and drive even in mild stages of the disorder. They show only weak associations with cognitive symptoms and cannot be explained as psychological reactions. The non-cognitive aspects of Alzheimer's disease deserve particular diagnostic and therapeutic interest.
Kurz
A
A
Psychiatrische Klinik, Universität München.
Haupt
M
M
Hofmeister
E M
EM
Pollmann
S
S
Romero
B
B
Ulm
K
K
Zimmer
R
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008609:Mental Status Schedule / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012931:Social Environment
Das Erscheinungsbild der Alzheimer-Krankheit im täglichen Leben.