Effect of seizures on progression of dementia of the Alzheimer type.
A survey of institutionalized patients with clinical diagnosis of probable dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) indicated that 21% of patients developed seizures after the onset of DAT. Of the total of 27 patients, 11 developed seizures at home and 16 after institutionalization. In 9 of 11 patients (82%), who suffered the initial seizure at home, the patients' condition suddenly worsened and required long-term care admission within 6 months of the seizure onset. Language function declined significantly more rapidly in 5 patients with seizures than in controls matched by age and duration of DAT.
Volicer
L
L
Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA 01730, USA.
Smith
S
S
Volicer
B J
BJ
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*