Simultaneous onset of Alzheimer's disease in a husband and wife in their mid-fifties: what do we really know about environmental factors?
BACKGROUND
Environmental factors can play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We present a case of the simultaneous onset of Alzheimer's disease in two middle aged adults.


METHODS
A married couple ages 54 year and 51-year-old female cohabiting together were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease within the same year. The patient's both developed cognitive decline shortly after a major renovation of their property and followed a similar disease course. The diagnosis was supported by clinical presentation and tissue pathology on autopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
Environmental factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Further understanding of the disease cascade is required.
Division of Neuropathology, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Ari
A
Pelcovits
Division of Neuropathology, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Rachel
R
Marriotti
Division of Neuropathology, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Jonathan
J
Heath
Division of Neuropathology, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
George
G
Perry
Division of Neuropathology, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Rudy J
RJ
Castellani
Alzheimer’s; Amyloid Beta; Dementia; Environmental Toxins; Neurofibrillary Tangles; Neuropathology