Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Louise Allan, Professor Ian McKeith, Dr Clive Ballard, Professor Rose Anne Kenny
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Background/Aims: There is little published data regarding autonomic symptoms in dementia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and severity of autonomic symptoms in patients with different subtypes of dementia in comparison with healthy controls, and their association with levels of physical activity, depression, quality of life and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Methods: Prevalence and severity of autonomic symptoms in Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD, n = 46), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB, n = 32), vascular dementia (VAD, n = 38), Alzheimer's disease ( AD, n = 40) and healthy controls ( n = 42) were assessed using a structured symptom scale. The associations between autonomic symptoms and physical activity, Bristol Activities of Daily Living Score, Geriatric and Cornell Depression Scores and quality of life ( Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) were examined by multiple linear regressions. Results: Total autonomic symptom scores, urinary symptoms, constipation and postural dizziness were significantly higher in PDD, DLB and VAD patients than either controls or AD patients ( all p < 0.05). Higher autonomic symptom scores were associated with poorer outcomes in all measures of physical activity, activities of daily living, depression and quality of life. Conclusion: The burden of autonomic symptoms is high in non-Alzheimer's dementias. The identification of such symptoms is of importance because of the detrimental effect of these symptoms upon physical activity, depression, activities of daily living and quality of life. Copyright (C) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Author(s): Allan L, McKeith I, Ballard C, Kenny RA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
Year: 2006
Volume: 22
Issue: 3
Pages: 230-237
ISSN (print): 1420-8008
ISSN (electronic): 1421-9824
Publisher: S. Karger AG
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000094971
DOI: 10.1159/000094971
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
