Absence of dementia in late-onset schizophrenia: a one year follow-up of a Brazilian case series.
BACKGROUND
Cognitive deficits of late-onset schizophrenia (LOS) patients have been reported as stable, although some prospective studies show that a sub-group develop a significant cognitive decline. Data on LOS from developing countries are scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the cognitive performance of Brazilian patients with LOS over the course of one year.


METHODS
Thirteen LOS patients were evaluated at baseline and after one year with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the CAMCOG, the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale, the Pfeffers Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).


RESULTS
Cognition and activities of daily living remained stable over the course of one year [baseline MMSE= 21.31 (4.87) and CAMCOG=80.31 (16.68); end-point MMSE=20.77 (3.86) and CAMCOG=82.92 (14.42) (Z=-0.831; p=0.40); baseline ADL=4.31 (5.65); end-point ADL= 5.92 (3.86) (Z=-0.831; p=0.40)]; end-point NPI=10.54 (10.69) (Z=-0.737; p=0.46].


CONCLUSIONS
Like patients from developed countries, Brazilian patients with LOS do not seem to develop dementia, at least over the course of one year.
Laks
Jerson
J
Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. jlaks@centroin.com.br
Fontenelle
Leonardo F
LF
Chalita
Adriana
A
Mendlowicz
Mauro V
MV
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*