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El Haj M, Larøi F. On hallucinations and memory: the relationship between hallucinations and autobiographical overgenerality in Alzheimer's Disease. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024; 36:162-166. [PMID: 38369926 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2024.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been associated with autobiographical overgenerality (i.e. a tendency of patients to retrieve general rather than specific personal memories). AD has also been associated with hallucinations. We investigated the relationship between autobiographical overgenerality and hallucinations in AD. METHODS We invited 28 patients with mild AD to retrieve autobiographical memories, and we also evaluated the occurrence of hallucinations in these patients. RESULTS Analysis demonstrated significant correlations between hallucinations and autobiographical overgenerality in the patients. CONCLUSION AD patients who are distressed by hallucinations may demonstrate autobiographical overgenerality as a strategy to avoid retrieving distressing information that may be related with hallucinations. However, hallucinations as observed in our study can be attributed to other factors such as the general cognitive decline in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- CHU Nantes, Clinical Gerontology Department, Bd Jacques Monod, Nantes, France
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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2
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El Haj M, Larøi F, Chapelet G. Limited awareness of hallucinations in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2024; 29:173-185. [PMID: 38787633 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2024.2357065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the degree of cognitive insight in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) regarding their hallucinations, aiming to elucidate the subjective experiences and perceptions associated with this phenomenon. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we invited both AD patients (n = 31) and their informants to evaluate the occurrence of hallucinations. Degree of cognitive insight was based upon the discrepancy between the patients' and informants' evaluations. RESULTS Analysis demonstrated that AD patients rated the occurrence of hallucinations lower than their informants, indicating that patients tended to underestimate the frequency of their hallucinations. The discrepancy between the ratings of patients and informants was negatively correlated with cognitive functioning, suggesting that a greater discrepancy (indicating poorer insight) was associated with lower cognitive functioning in patients. DISCUSSION Our findings highlight the deficits in insight into hallucinations among AD patients, specifically indicating that AD patients have limited awareness of their own hallucinations. Furthermore, our findings support the idea that deficits in insight into hallucinations are associated with the progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Clinical Gerontology Department, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- Faculté de Psychologie, LPPL - Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Chapelet
- Clinical Gerontology Department, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Nantes, France
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3
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Fabiano N, Dholakia S, Walker LAS, Smith AL. Chronic high-dose dimenhydrinate use contributing to early multifactorial cognitive impairment. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258493. [PMID: 38453220 PMCID: PMC10921430 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter antihistaminergic medication with anticholinergic properties used to treat nausea or motion sickness worldwide. There is a well-established correlation between the use of anticholinergic medications and dementia, however, it is unclear if a causal role exists. We report a case of minor neurocognitive disorder in a woman in her 40s with several years of high-dose daily dimenhydrinate abuse who subsequently developed significant delusional beliefs. Her clinical presentation was confounded by numerous other factors that could have impacted her cognition, such as a longstanding presumed learning disability, ankylosing spondylitis with adalimumab treatment, extensive cannabis use or potential development of a primary psychotic disorder. Her workup was within normal limits, and she has not responded to first-line antipsychotic medications to date. This case report adds to the growing evidence supporting concerns about potentially irreversible cognitive deficits in chronic misuse of anticholinergic agents, an association previously observed only in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Fabiano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Saumil Dholakia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa A S Walker
- Neuroscience, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew L Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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d’Angremont E, Begemann MJH, van Laar T, Sommer IEC. Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Treatment of Psychotic Symptoms in Alzheimer Disease and Parkinson Disease: A Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:813-823. [PMID: 37358841 PMCID: PMC10294019 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.1835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Importance Psychotic symptoms greatly increase the burden of disease for people with neurodegenerative disorders and their caregivers. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) may be effective treatment for psychotic symptoms in these disorders. Previous trials only evaluated neuropsychiatric symptoms as a secondary and an overall outcome, potentially blurring the outcomes noted with ChEI use specifically for psychotic symptoms. Objective To quantitatively assess the use of ChEIs for treatment of individual neuropsychiatric symptoms, specifically hallucinations and delusions, in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Data Sources A systematic search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and PsychInfo, without year restrictions. Additional eligible studies were retrieved from reference lists. The final search cutoff date was April 21, 2022. Study Selection Studies were selected if they presented the results of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials, including at least 1 donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine treatment arm in patients with AD, PD, or DLB; if they applied at least 1 neuropsychiatric measure including hallucinations and/or delusions; and if a full-text version of the study was available in the English language. Study selection was performed and checked by multiple reviewers. Data Extraction and Synthesis Original research data were requested on eligible studies. A 2-stage meta-analysis was then performed, using random-effects models. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed for extracting data and assessing the data quality and validity. Data extraction was checked by a second reviewer. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were hallucinations and delusions; secondary outcomes included all other individual neuropsychiatric subdomains as well as the total neuropsychiatric score. Results In total, 34 eligible randomized clinical trials were selected. Individual participant data on 6649 individuals (3830 [62.6%] women; mean [SD] age, 75.0 [8.2] years) were obtained from 17 trials (AD: n = 12; PD: n = 5; individual participant data were not available for DLB). An association with ChEI treatment was shown in the AD subgroup for delusions (-0.08; 95% CI, -0.14 to -0.03; P = .006) and hallucinations (-0.09; 95% CI, -0.14 to -0.04; P = .003) and in the PD subgroup for delusions (-0.14; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.01; P = .04) and hallucinations (-0.08, 95% CI -0.13 to -0.03; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this individual participant data meta-analysis suggest that ChEI treatment improves psychotic symptoms in patients with AD and PD with small effect sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile d’Angremont
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke J. H. Begemann
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Teus van Laar
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris E. C. Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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5
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Tan KP, Ang JK, Koh EBY, Pang NTP, Mat Saher Z. Relationship of Psychological Flexibility and Mindfulness to Caregiver Burden, and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Caregivers of People with Dementia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4232. [PMID: 36901243 PMCID: PMC10002240 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Caregivers of People with dementia (PwD) commonly experience burdens and other mental health issues, e.g., depression and anxiety. At present, there are limited studies that examine the relationships between caregiver psychological factors and caregiver burden, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, this study's objectives were to examine the relationships between psychological flexibility and mindfulness in caregivers of PwD, and to determine the predictors of these three outcomes. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the geriatric psychiatry clinic of Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia, and the sample (n = 82) was recruited via a universal sampling method over three months. The participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of the sociodemographics of the PwD and caregivers, illness characteristics of the PwD, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Zarit Burden Interview Scale (ZBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The results show that despite significant relationships between psychological flexibility and mindfulness and lower levels of caregiver burden, and depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.01), only psychological inflexibility (p < 0.01) remained as a significant predictor of the three outcomes. Therefore, in conclusion, intervention programs that target the awareness of the caregiver's psychological inflexibility should be implemented to alleviate these adverse outcomes in dementia caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khai Pin Tan
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan 25100, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Jin Kiat Ang
- Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Eugene Boon Yau Koh
- Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nicholas Tze Ping Pang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Zanariah Mat Saher
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur 50586, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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6
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Chang X, Zhao W, Kang J, Xiang S, Xie C, Corona-Hernández H, Palaniyappan L, Feng J. Language abnormalities in schizophrenia: binding core symptoms through contemporary empirical evidence. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:95. [PMID: 36371445 PMCID: PMC9653408 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00308-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Both the ability to speak and to infer complex linguistic messages from sounds have been claimed as uniquely human phenomena. In schizophrenia, formal thought disorder (FTD) and auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are manifestations respectively relating to concrete disruptions of those abilities. From an evolutionary perspective, Crow (1997) proposed that "schizophrenia is the price that Homo sapiens pays for the faculty of language". Epidemiological and experimental evidence points to an overlap between FTD and AVHs, yet a thorough investigation examining their shared neural mechanism in schizophrenia is lacking. In this review, we synthesize observations from three key domains. First, neuroanatomical evidence indicates substantial shared abnormalities in language-processing regions between FTD and AVHs, even in the early phases of schizophrenia. Second, neurochemical studies point to a glutamate-related dysfunction in these language-processing brain regions, contributing to verbal production deficits. Third, genetic findings further show how genes that overlap between schizophrenia and language disorders influence neurodevelopment and neurotransmission. We argue that these observations converge into the possibility that a glutamatergic dysfunction in language-processing brain regions might be a shared neural basis of both FTD and AVHs. Investigations of language pathology in schizophrenia could facilitate the development of diagnostic tools and treatments, so we call for multilevel confirmatory analyses focused on modulations of the language network as a therapeutic goal in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- MOE-LCSM, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Jujiao Kang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shitong Xiang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Xie
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Hugo Corona-Hernández
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Palaniyappan
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
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7
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Tampi RR, Bhattacharya G, Marpuri P. Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in the Era of Boxed Warnings. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:431-440. [PMID: 35781675 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide a comprehensive overview on the evaluation and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using evidence from literature. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence indicates efficacy for some non-pharmacological techniques including education of caregivers and cognitive stimulation therapy and pharmacological agents like antidepressant and antipsychotics for the management of BPSD. The use of antipsychotics has generated controversy due to the recognition of their serious adverse effect profile including the risk of cerebrovascular adverse events and death. BPSD is associated with worsening of cognition and function among individuals with dementia, greater caregiver burden, more frequent institutionalization, overall poorer quality of life, and greater cost of caring for these individuals. Future management strategies for BPSD should include the use of technology for the provision of non-pharmacological interventions and the judicious use of cannabinoids and interventional procedures like ECT for the management of refractory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh R Tampi
- Department of Psychiatry, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA. .,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, North East Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
| | - Gargi Bhattacharya
- Department of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA
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Spinosa V, Brattico E, Campo F, Logroscino G. A systematic review on resting state functional connectivity in patients with neurodegenerative disease and hallucinations. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 35:103112. [PMID: 35853345 PMCID: PMC9421441 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hallucinations are a complex and multidimensional phenomenon which can differ based on the involved pathology, typology and sensory modality. Hallucinations are common in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Recent sparse evidence from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies has identified altered functional connectivity in those patients within several brain networks, such as the default mode, attentional and sensory ones, without, however, providing an organized picture of the mechanisms involved. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, aims at critically analyzing the current literature on the brain networks associated with the phenomenon of hallucinations in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Ten rs-fMRI studies fulfilled our selection criteria. All these studies focused on synucleinopathies, and most of them focused on visual hallucinations and were characterized by a heterogeneous methodology. Thus, instead of offering a definite picture of the mechanisms underlying hallucinations in neurodegeneration, this systematic review encourages further research especially concerning tauopathies. Notwithstanding, the findings overall suggest a disruption in the top-down (associated with memory intrusion and difficulty of inhibition) and in the bottom-up processes (associated with the sensory areas involved in the hallucinations). Further investigations are needed in order to disentangle the brain mechanisms involved in hallucinations and to overcome possible limitations characterizing the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Spinosa
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy; Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Elvira Brattico
- Center for Music in the Brain (MIB), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Fulvia Campo
- Center for Music in the Brain (MIB), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy; Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
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Kumfor F, Liang CT, Hazelton JL, Leyton CE, Kaizik C, Devenney E, Connaughton E, Langdon R, Mioshi E, Kwok JB, Dobson‐Stone C, Halliday GM, Piguet O, Hodges JR, Landin‐Romero R. Examining the presence and nature of delusions in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia syndromes. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37:10.1002/gps.5692. [PMID: 35178786 PMCID: PMC9546395 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Abnormal beliefs and delusions have been reported in some people with dementia, however, the prevalence of delusions, and their neurocognitive basis has been underexplored. This study aimed to examine the presence, severity, content and neural correlates of delusions in a large, well-characterised cohort of dementia patients using a transdiagnostic, cross-sectional approach. METHODS Four-hundred and eighty-seven people with dementia were recruited: 102 Alzheimer's disease, 136 behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia, 154 primary progressive aphasia, 29 motor neurone disease, 46 corticobasal syndrome, 20 progressive supranuclear palsy. All patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was conducted with an informant, by an experienced clinician. RESULTS In our cohort, 48/487 patients (10.8%) had delusions. A diagnosis of behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia (18.4%) and Alzheimer's disease (11.8%) were associated with increased risk of delusions. A positive gene mutation was observed in 11/27 people with delusions. Individuals with frequent delusions performed worse on the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (p = 0.035), particularly on the orientation/attention (p = 0.022) and memory (p = 0.013) subtests. Voxel-based morphometry analyses found that increased delusional psychopathology was associated with reduced integrity of the right middle frontal gyrus, right planum temporale and left anterior temporal pole. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that delusions are relatively common in dementia and uncover a unique cognitive and neural profile associated with the manifestation of delusions. Clinically, delusions may lead to delayed or misdiagnosis. Our results shed light on how to identify individuals at risk of neuropsychiatric features of dementia, a crucial first step to enable targeted symptom management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Kumfor
- School of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Cheng Tao Liang
- School of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jessica L. Hazelton
- School of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Cristian E. Leyton
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Health SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Cassandra Kaizik
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Memory and Cognition ClinicRPA HospitalSydneyLocal Health District, New South WalesAustralia
| | - Emma Devenney
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Emily Connaughton
- Department of Cognitive SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Robyn Langdon
- Department of Cognitive SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Eneida Mioshi
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - John B. Kwok
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carol Dobson‐Stone
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Glenda M. Halliday
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- School of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - John R. Hodges
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ramon Landin‐Romero
- School of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Brain & Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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10
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El Haj M, Larøi F, Gallouj K. Hallucinations and Covid-19: Increased Occurrence of Hallucinations in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease During Lockdown. Psychiatr Q 2021; 92:1531-1539. [PMID: 34089149 PMCID: PMC8178053 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-021-09927-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of lockdown, as implemented by retirement homes to cope with the spread of Covid-19, on hallucinatory experiences in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study included 47 patients with AD living in retirement homes and who were already experiencing hallucinations prior to the lockdown. We invited caregivers to rate hallucinatory experiences in these patients during the lockdown, and compared this rating with that provided by the same caregivers prior to the lockdown. Results demonstrated increased hallucinatory experiences in patients with AD during the lockdown, compared with before the lockdown. The decrease in social and physical activities during the lockdown, and especially, the physical separation of residents from family members, might have led to decreased sensory stimulation and increased loneliness, and consequently, to the hallucinatory experiences in patients with AD living in retirement homes during the lockdown. While the restrictive measures were necessary to cope with the spread of Covid-19, these measures have increased hallucinations in patients with AD living in retirement homes, at least in those who were already experiencing hallucinations prior to the lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Laboratoire de Psychologie Des Pays de La Loire (LPPL - EA 4638), 44000, Nantes, France. .,Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France. .,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Karim Gallouj
- Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
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11
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Macfarlane S, Atee M, Morris T, Cunningham C. When responsive and reactive meet organic? Treatment implications of language use in the era of #BanBPSD. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1299-1303. [PMID: 33779007 PMCID: PMC8453926 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aetiopathogenesis of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is often subjective, complex and multifaceted, produced by an array of contributing factors, including biomedical, psychological, environmental and/or social factors. Alongside other contributing factors, organic aetiology of BPSD should be considered when devising therapeutic management plans. Although considered last resort, time‐limited antipsychotic treatment (≤3 months) may have a vital adjunct role in managing intractable, refractory, distressing and/or life‐threatening BPSD, such as delusions and hallucinations; but only after person‐centred psychosocial interventions are exhausted and fail to deliver any therapeutic response. If prescribed, careful monitoring of therapeutic responses and adverse effects of antipsychotics with de‐prescribing plans should be a top priority, as these agents have limited efficacies and serious adverse outcomes (e.g., mortality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Macfarlane
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia,Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mustafa Atee
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareWembleyWestern AustraliaAustralia,Curtin Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Thomas Morris
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Colm Cunningham
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia,School of Public Health & Community MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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12
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Choi A, Ballard C, Martyr A, Collins R, Morris RG, Clare L. The impact of auditory hallucinations on "living well" with dementia: Findings from the IDEAL programme. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1370-1377. [PMID: 33734483 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether auditory hallucinations in community-dwelling people with dementia (PwD) living in the community impacted on quality of life (QoL), subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction. DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS 1251 community-dwelling PwD and caregivers were included in this study. MEASURES Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire completed by caregiver interview. Mean differences between the absence and presence of auditory hallucinations were compared to scores on three validated measures of living well: QoL in Alzheimer's disease scale (QoL-AD), World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Analysis of covariance determined the confounding contributions of cognition via Mini-Mental State Examination, depression via Geriatric Depression Scale-10, caregiver stress via Relative Stress Scale and whether antipsychotic drugs were prescribed. RESULTS Auditory hallucinations were associated with lower scores for QoL (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.01), wellbeing (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.02) and life satisfaction (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.01). After controlling for background measures, which were potential confounds, the relationship between auditory hallucinations and QoL (p = 0.04, pη2 = 0.01) and wellbeing (p < 0.000, pη2 = 0.02) remained significant but there was no significant association with life satisfaction. CONCLUSION Auditory hallucinations are associated with lower QoL and wellbeing in PwD living in the community. This has implications for targeted therapies in PwD with psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Choi
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Clive Ballard
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Anthony Martyr
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rachel Collins
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Robin G Morris
- Department of Psychology, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Linda Clare
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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13
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Chen Y, Dang M, Zhang Z. Brain mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of symptom-general and -specific lesion patterns. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:38. [PMID: 34099005 PMCID: PMC8186099 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are associated with accelerated cognitive impairment and earlier deaths. This review aims to explore the neural pathogenesis of NPSs in AD and its association with the progression of AD. We first provide a literature overview on the onset times of NPSs. Different NPSs occur in different disease stages of AD, but most symptoms appear in the preclinical AD or mild cognitive impairment stage and develop progressively. Next, we describe symptom-general and -specific patterns of brain lesions. Generally, the anterior cingulate cortex is a commonly damaged region across all symptoms, and the prefrontal cortex, especially the orbitofrontal cortex, is also a critical region associated with most NPSs. In contrast, the anterior cingulate-subcortical circuit is specifically related to apathy in AD, the frontal-limbic circuit is related to depression, and the amygdala circuit is related to anxiety. Finally, we elucidate the associations between the NPSs and AD by combining the onset time with the neural basis of NPSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- BABRI Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Mingxi Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- BABRI Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Zhanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- BABRI Centre, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
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14
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Association Between Neuropsychiatric Symptom Trajectory and Conversion to Alzheimer Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2021; 34:141-147. [PMID: 31633557 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are both common in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease (AD). Studies have shown that some NPS such as apathy and depression are a key indicator for progression to AD. METHODS We compared Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) total score and NPI subdomain score between mild cognitive impairment-converters (MCI-C) and mild cognitive impairment-nonconverters (MCI-NC) longitudinally for 6 years using the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. In addition to the NPI, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were also compared to find out if MMSE scores would differ between different NPI groups. Lastly, a linear regression model was done on MMSE and NPI total score to establish a relationship between MMSE and NPI total score. RESULTS The results in this study showed that NPI total scores between MCI-C and MCI-NC differed significantly throughout 6 years. MCI-C subjects had a higher mean NPI total score and lower MMSE score compared with MCI-NC subjects. In addition, MMSE scores were significantly different between the 3 groups of NPI total score. Subjects who have a high NPI score have the lowest mean MMSE score, thus demonstrating that NPI scores do indeed affect MMSE scores. Further analyses using a regression model revealed that a unit change in NPI total score lead to 0.1 to 0.3 decrease in MMSE. DISCUSSION On the basis of the findings, this study showed evidence that increase in NPS burden (reflected by increase in NPI) over time predicts conversion to AD, whereas stability of symptoms (reflected by stable NPI score) favors nonconversion. Further study should investigate the underlying mechanisms that drive both NPS burden and cognitive decline.
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15
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Abstract
We assessed the frequency, duration, and degree of unpleasantness of olfactory hallucinations in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Informants of 31 AD patients were invited to rate the frequency, duration, and degree of unpleasantness of olfactory, auditory, and visual hallucinations. Analysis demonstrated little occurrence of olfactory hallucinations compared with auditory or visual hallucinations. Results also demonstrated that olfactory hallucinations span from a few seconds to one minute, a duration that was similar to that of auditory and visual hallucinations. Olfactory hallucinations were rated as unpleasant compared with auditory or visual hallucinations. Finally, olfactory hallucinations were significantly correlated with depression. Our findings demonstrate little occurrence of olfactory hallucinations but that when they occur, they are experienced as relatively unpleasant in AD patients. Our findings also demonstrate a relationship between olfactory hallucinations and psychiatric characteristics (i.e., depression) in AD.
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16
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Urso D, Gnoni V, Filardi M, Logroscino G. Delusion and Delirium in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Overlooked Relationship? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:808724. [PMID: 35115974 PMCID: PMC8804700 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.808724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Delusions are part of the neuropsychiatric symptoms that patients suffering from neurodegenerative conditions frequently develop at some point of the disease course and are associated with an increased risk of cognitive and functional decline. Delirium is a syndrome characterized by acute onset of deficits in attention, awareness, and cognition that fluctuate in severity over a short time period. Delusions and delirium are frequently observed in the context of neurodegeneration, and their presence can easily mislead clinicians toward a misdiagnosis of psychiatric disorder further delaying the proper treatment. Risk factors for developing delusion and delirium in neurodegenerative conditions have been investigated separately while the possible interplay between these two conditions has not been explored so far. With this study, we aim to achieve a more comprehensive picture of the relationship between delusions and delirium in neurodegeneration by analyzing prevalence and subtypes of delusions in different neurodegenerative disorders; providing an overview of clinical tools to assess delusions in neurodegenerative patients and how delusions are covered by delirium assessment tools and discussing the possible common pathophysiology mechanisms between delusion and delirium in neurodegenerative patients. A more extensive characterization of the relationship between delusions and delirium may help to understand whether delusions may constitute a risk factor for delirium and may ameliorate the management of both conditions in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Urso
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Gnoni
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Filardi
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.,Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.,Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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17
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Frightening Complex Visual Hallucinations in an Elderly Patient with Ophthalmological Pathology and Vascular Dementia. Case Rep Psychiatry 2020; 2020:8851761. [PMID: 33425420 PMCID: PMC7775156 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8851761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A lady in her 90s was referred to the Later Life Team (LLT) in a rural area of the United Kingdom with complex visual hallucinations (VH). She had significant ophthalmological pathology, including cataracts, a branch retinal vein occlusion, and vitreous haemorrhage. The hallucinations included seeing monkeys ripping the heads off of her cats and lions prowling the garden. The patient was distressed by the hallucinations and believed them to be real events. Her management involved low dose olanzapine and requesting that her ophthalmological surgery be expedited. The surgery resulted in a significant reduction in VH. A diagnosis of vascular dementia went on to be made following cognitive testing and imaging. The cognitive impairment may have contributed to the patient's inability to identify her experiences as hallucinations and thus render her without insight. A review of the computed tomography (CT) scans performed prior to the patient's presentation to our service confirmed significant vascular pathology including small vessel disease and lacunar infarcts. Cognitive testing confirmed a cognitive impairment which had gone unnoticed by her family. This case leads to an interesting discussion regarding diagnosis in complex VH in cases of significant ophthalmological pathology but a lack of insight. Various authors have proposed theories to explain VH; cortical release and the Perception and Attention Deficit (PAD) model are explored as possible explanations for the experiences of this patient.
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18
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Coerver KA, Subramanian PS. Visual hallucinations in psychiatric, neurologic, and ophthalmologic disease. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2020; 31:475-482. [PMID: 33009079 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent studies have increased our understanding of the biochemical and structural bases of visual hallucinations in patients with a variety of underlying causes. RECENT FINDINGS Visual hallucinations may be related to disruption of functional connectivity networks, with underlying biochemical dysfunction such as decreased in cholinergic activity. Structural abnormalities in primary and higher order visual processing areas also have been found in patients with visual hallucinations. The occurrence of visual hallucinations after vision loss, the Charles Bonnet syndrome, may have more functional similarity to psychiatric and neurodegenerative causes than previously suspected despite retained insight into the unreal nature of the phenomena. SUMMARY Visual hallucinations are common, and patients may not report them if specific inquiries are not made. Presence or absence of hallucinations may be of diagnostic and therapeutic importance, especially in patients with neurodegenerative conditions that have overlapping features. Treatment of visual hallucinations remains challenging and must be tailored to each patient based on the underlying cause and comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prem S Subramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers UCHealth Eye Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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19
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION the source monitoring account has been widely investigated for hallucinations in schizophrenia. According to this account, hallucinations are inner events that are misattributed to another source. Our paper investigated this account for Alzheimer's disease. METHOD we investigated hallucination experiences in participants with Alzheimer's disease and age-matched healthy controls, as well as their source monitoring ability. The assessment of source monitoring included three conditions. In the first condition, participants had to remember whether objects were previously manipulated by themselves or by the experimenter (i.e. reality monitoring). In the second condition, they had to remember whether objects were previously manipulated by a black or white experimenter-gloved hand (i.e. external monitoring). In the third condition, participants had to remember whether they had previously manipulated objects or had imagined having done so (i.e. internal monitoring). RESULTS relative to healthy control participants, participants with Alzheimer's disease experienced hallucinations more often and lower hits on source monitoring. Interestingly, significant correlations were only observed between hallucinations and the internal monitoring condition in participants with Alzheimer's disease. DISCUSSION hallucinations in Alzheimer's disease seem to be related to the processes of making judgments about the (internal) context in which an event has occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire (LPPL-EA 4638), Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Nantes, France.,Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Unité de Gériatrie, Tourcoing, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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20
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El Haj M, Larøi F, Gallouj K. Hallucinations in a Patient with Alzheimer's Disease During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Case Study. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2020; 4:455-458. [PMID: 33283166 PMCID: PMC7683099 DOI: 10.3233/adr-200241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While social distancing may be deemed necessary in order to avoid COVID-19 infections, the lockdown may impact mental health of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We present a case study involving hallucinations in a patient with AD who lives in a nursing home during the COVID-19 crisis. We compared this patient’s hallucination scores before and during the lockdown. We observed increased hallucinations during, compared to before, the lockdown. These increased hallucinations can be attributed to a number of elements such as the decreased in daily activities, social distancing, lack of physical contact with family members, and loneliness during the lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire (LPPL - EA 4638), Nantes, France.,Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Karim Gallouj
- Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
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21
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Schutte MJL, Linszen MMJ, Marschall TM, Ffytche DH, Koops S, van Dellen E, Heringa SM, Slooter AJC, Teunisse R, van den Heuvel OA, Lemstra AW, Foncke EMJ, Slotema CW, de Jong J, Rossell SL, Sommer IEC. Hallucinations and other psychotic experiences across diagnoses: A comparison of phenomenological features. Psychiatry Res 2020; 292:113314. [PMID: 32731082 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although psychotic experiences are prevalent across many psychiatric, neurological, and medical disorders, investigation of these symptoms has largely been restricted to diagnostic categories. This study aims to examine phenomenological similarities and differences across a range of diagnoses. We assessed frequency, severity and phenomenology of psychotic experiences in 350 outpatients including; participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, hearing impairment, Parkinson's disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, visual impairment, posttraumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and participants with recent major surgery. Psychotic phenomena were explored between these groups using the Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences (QPE). Participants with major psychiatric disorders reported a combination of several psychotic experiences, and more severe experiences compared to all other disorders. Participants with recent major surgery or visual impairment experienced isolated visual hallucinations. Participants with hearing impairment reported isolated auditory hallucinations, whereas the neurodegenerative disorders reported visual hallucinations, occasionally in combination with hallucinations in another modality or delusions. The phenomenology between neurodegenerative disorders, and within major psychiatric disorders showed many similarities. Our findings indicate that the phenomenology of psychotic experiences is not diagnosis specific, but may rather point to the existence of various subtypes across diagnoses. These subtypes could have a different underlying etiology requiring specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya J L Schutte
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mascha M J Linszen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theresa M Marschall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Dominic H Ffytche
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sanne Koops
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Edwin van Dellen
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie M Heringa
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen J C Slooter
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Teunisse
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Dimence, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Odile A van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Afina W Lemstra
- Department of Neurology, VU university medical center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M J Foncke
- Department of Neurology, VU university medical center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joop de Jong
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University & Voices Clinic, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Iris E C Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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22
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Yumoto A, Suwa S. Difficulties and associated coping methods regarding visual hallucinations caused by dementia with Lewy bodies. DEMENTIA 2019; 20:291-307. [PMID: 31610695 DOI: 10.1177/1471301219879541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Individuals who have dementia with Lewy bodies present various symptoms that differ from those associated with Alzheimer's disease. Of the several characteristic symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies, visual hallucinations often appear in the early stages of the disease, and some hallucinations cause people with dementia with Lewy bodies to experience unique difficulties in their daily lives. The aim of this paper is to clarify the visual hallucination-related difficulties experienced by people with dementia with Lewy bodies as well as their coping methods. Participants were 10 people with dementia with Lewy bodies who were living at home, with input also obtained from their family members. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and a qualitative content analysis was consequently performed. The qualitative analysis showed four primary difficulties in the period before a patient realizes that their visual hallucinations are a symptom of an underlying disease; these included "feeling something strange is happening" and "restrictions on activities." Realizing that what they were experiencing was not real was a significant turning point for the participants, with some discovering this by discussing their apparitions with their families. It was consequently determined that, after an individual realizes that their hallucinations are indicative of a more serious condition, two further difficulties arise, including the "inability to discuss the visual hallucinations with friends and family." With regard to coping methods, some participants reported rearranging their living environments to hide areas where hallucinations commonly appeared. This paper suggests that care is needed to help people with dementia with Lewy bodies recognize that their visual hallucinations are a manifestation of their illness. In particular, psychological support should be made available to address the anxiety caused by the appearance of visual hallucinations and to help patients adjust their environments to reduce or prevent the appearance of such hallucinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyo Yumoto
- Graduate School of Nursing, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Sayuri Suwa
- Graduate School of Nursing, Chiba University, Japan
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23
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Lai L, Lee PE, Chan P, Fok MC, Hsiung GYR, Sepehry AA. Prevalence of delusions in drug-naïve Alzheimer disease patients: A meta-analysis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 34:1287-1293. [PMID: 29023987 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common at all stages of Alzheimer disease (AD). Delusions in AD are associated with negative clinical consequences and may signal rapid disease progression. Hence, we sought to determine the prevalence of delusions in drug-naïve (no cholinesterase inhibitor or neuroleptic medications) AD patients. METHODS In this meta-analysis, a search of the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases was performed. We selected studies reporting delusion prevalence measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) in drug-naïve AD patients. An aggregate delusion event rate with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The I2 statistic was used to assess the magnitude of between-study heterogeneity. Single variable meta-regressions allowed examination of the effect of moderating factors and heterogeneity. Quantitative measures were used to appraise for publication bias. RESULTS We identified 6 studies with 591 participants allowing calculation of the aggregate delusional prevalence rate. Irrespective of dementia severity, the aggregate event rate for delusions was 29.1% (95% CI: 20-41%; I2 = 84.59). No publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis calculates a 29.1% prevalence rate of delusions in AD patients. There is a trend towards increasing delusion prevalence in concordance with increasing severity of dementia. Given delusions are associated with poorer outcomes, the obtained prevalence should motivate clinicians to screen carefully for delusions. Current literature limitations warrant future studies, with sub-analyses on dementia severity, and other neurobiological factors known to influence the presence of delusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Lai
- University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Philip E Lee
- University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Chan
- University of British Columbia, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark C Fok
- University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ging-Yuek R Hsiung
- University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Amir A Sepehry
- University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Vancouver, Canada
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24
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El Haj M, Badcock JC, Jardri R, Larøi F, Roche J, Sommer IE, Gallouj K. A look into hallucinations: the relationship between visual imagery and hallucinations in Alzheimer's disease. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2019; 24:275-283. [PMID: 31213139 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2019.1632180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: We investigated the relationship between visual hallucinations and vividness of visual imagery in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method: We recruited 28 patients with AD and 30 healthy control participants, matched for age and education. We evaluated proneness towards hallucinations with the Launay-Slade Hallucinations Scale, which includes items assessing visual and auditory hallucinations. We also evaluated vividness of visual imagery with the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire on which participants had to imagine four images (i.e., imagining the face of a friend, the rising sun, a familiar shop-front, and a country scene) and report the vividness of the images they generated. Results: Analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between visual hallucinations and vividness of visual imagery in AD patients, however, no significant correlations were observed between auditory hallucinations and vividness of visual imagery in these participants. No significant correlations were observed between hallucinations and vividness of visual imagery in healthy control participants, probably due to the lack of hallucinations in these participants. Discussion: These results demonstrate a selective relationship between the occurrence of visual (but not auditory) hallucinations and the ability to generate vivid visual images in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- a Laboratoire de psychologie des Pays de la Loire, LPPL, Univ Nantes , Nantes , France.,b Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Unité de Gériatrie , Tourcoing , France.,c Institut Universitaire de France , Paris , France
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- d School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia , Crawley , Australia
| | - Renaud Jardri
- e UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Univ. Lille , Lille , France
| | - Frank Larøi
- f Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen (UiB) , Bergen , Norway.,g Psychology and Neurosciences of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège , Liège , Belgium.,h NORMENT - Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Jean Roche
- i CHU de Lille, Unité de Psychogériatrie, Pôle de Gérontologie , Lille , France
| | - Iris E Sommer
- f Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen (UiB) , Bergen , Norway.,j Department of Neuroscience and Department of psychiatry, Rijks Universiteit Groningen (RUG), University medical Center Groningen (UMCG) , Netherlands
| | - Karim Gallouj
- b Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Unité de Gériatrie , Tourcoing , France
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25
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Van Assche L, Van Aubel E, Van de Ven L, Bouckaert F, Luyten P, Vandenbulcke M. The Neuropsychological Profile and Phenomenology of Late Onset Psychosis: A Cross-sectional Study on the Differential Diagnosis of Very-Late-Onset Schizophrenia-Like Psychosis, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer's Type Dementia with Psychosis. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:183-199. [PMID: 29635309 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Late onset psychosis not only occurs as a prodromal symptom to neurodegeneration, but it can also be associated with a non-progressive mild cognitive deficit. Studying the phenomenology of psychotic symptoms and the neuropsychological profile may serve as sensitive and non-invasive tools for differential diagnosis. Method We compared 57 individuals with very-late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP), 49 participants with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and 35 patients with Alzheimer's type Dementia and psychosis (AD+P) concerning the phenomenology of psychotic symptoms and the neuropsychological profile using several measures of cognitive function in a cross-sectional study. Results Participants with DLB exhibited more visual hallucinations, especially those involving animals, and less partition/paranoid delusions than both other groups. VLOSLP showed more partition delusions and auditory hallucinations of human voices than both other groups. Hence, patients with DLB and VLOSLP showed greater dissimilarity in the phenomenology of psychosis, whereas individuals with AD+P held an intermediate position. Processing speed and executive function were comparably impaired among the three groups, as was expected considering a common underlying set of neurobiological abnormalities for psychosis. However, AD+P showed more strongly reduced learning and consolidation skills, whereas DLB was associated with prominent visuoconstructive deficits. Conclusions Phenomenology of psychosis may prove especially informative when comparing individuals with DLB to those with VLOSLP. Neuropsychological profiles are able to further aid differential diagnosis of the three groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies Van Assche
- Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Leuven, KUL, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Van Aubel
- Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Leuven, KUL, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Van de Ven
- Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Leuven, KUL, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Bouckaert
- Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Leuven, KUL, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Luyten
- Department of Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mathieu Vandenbulcke
- Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Leuven, KUL, Leuven, Belgium
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Deardorff WJ, Grossberg GT. Behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2019; 165:5-32. [PMID: 31727229 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64012-3.00002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are highly prevalent and represent a significant burden for patients and their caregivers. Early recognition and management of these symptoms is crucial as they are associated with increased risk of institutionalization, impairments in daily functioning, reduced quality of life, and more rapid progression to severe dementia. This chapter will discuss the pathophysiology, proposed diagnostic criteria, clinical features, and management of BPSD, including apathy, depression, agitation/aggression, psychosis, and sleep disturbances. Apathy and depression are the most common overall, and apathy is associated with high symptom severity likely because of its greater persistence. Symptoms such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, and delusions may be especially distressing and dangerous to patients and caregivers. Nonpharmacologic management should be considered first-line therapy in most cases due to the modest and inconsistent evidence base for pharmacologic agents and greater risk of harm. However, the judicious use of pharmacologic agents may be warranted when symptoms are dangerous and/or severely distressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- William James Deardorff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - George T Grossberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States.
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Abstract
The elderly with dementing illness often present with psychotic symptoms such as delusions, but the thematic content of delusions in the elderly differs from that of delusions expressed by younger individuals, and can be pathognomonic of early dementia. The aim of this paper is to review the recent literature on the delusion of theft, the most prevalent delusion in the elderly, in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of its sources and to identify successful therapeutic approaches. The literature from 2000 to the present was searched on the Google Scholar database using relevant search terms. Several older classical papers were also referenced. Understanding the origins of the delusion of theft - multiple losses, attempts at attributing such losses to an outside source, attempts at reliving a happier past - helps in devising responses that are comforting to the patient. The distress that often accompanies the delusion of having been robbed can be decreased by nursing home improvements in the handling of personal possessions, by the correction of sensory deficits, and by the provision of activities that distract from loneliness. Attention to stimuli that trigger the delusion helps to limit its occurrence. Medications may help, but can sometimes make matters worse. Understanding that delusional thinking can arise from sensory and cognitive deficits is critical to empathic caregiving and also to the lessening of caregiver burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, #605 260 Heath St. West, Toronto, ON, M5P 3L6, Canada.
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El Haj M, Gallouj K, Dehon H, Roche J, Larøi F. Hallucinations in Alzheimer's disease: failure to suppress irrelevant memories. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2018; 23:142-153. [PMID: 29480041 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2018.1443062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research with patients with schizophrenia suggests that inhibitory dysfunction leads to the emergence of redundant or irrelevant information from long-term memory into awareness, and that this process may be involved in generating hallucinations. We investigated whether inhibitory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads to hallucinations. METHOD AD participants and healthy matched controls were assessed with a hallucinations scale and a directed forgetting task. On the directed forgetting task, they were asked to retain a list of 10 words (i.e., List 1). Thereafter, half of the participants were asked to forget this list whereas the other half were asked to retain the list in memory. After the List 1 presentation, all participants were asked to retain another list of 10 words and, successively, were asked to remember all of the words from both lists, regardless of the previous forget or remember instruction. RESULTS Relative to healthy matched controls, AD participants showed difficulties in suppressing the words from List 1. AD participants also showed more hallucinatory experiences than healthy matched controls. Interestingly, a significant correlation was observed between the score on the hallucinations measure and difficulties in suppressing List 1 in AD participants. DISCUSSION Hallucinations in AD may, at least in part, be related to difficulties in suppressing memory representations, such that unwanted or repetitive thoughts intrude into consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- a CNRS, CHU Lille, UMR 9193-SCALab-Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives , University of Lille , Lille , France.,b Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing , Tourcoing , France
| | - Karim Gallouj
- b Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing , Tourcoing , France
| | - Hedwige Dehon
- c Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit , University of Liège , Liège , Belgium
| | - Jean Roche
- d CHU de Lille , Unité de Psychogériatrie, Pôle de Gérontologie , Lille , France
| | - Franck Larøi
- c Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit , University of Liège , Liège , Belgium.,e Department of Biological and Medical Psychology , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.,f NORMENT-Norwegian Centre of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
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Understanding hallucinations in probable Alzheimer's disease: Very low prevalence rates in a tertiary memory clinic. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING 2018; 10:358-362. [PMID: 30014034 PMCID: PMC6019263 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadm.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Averaging at 13.4%, current literature reports widely varying prevalence rates of hallucinations in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is still inconclusive on contributive factors to hallucinations in AD. Methods This study assessed prevalence, associated factors and clinical characteristics of hallucinations in 1227 patients with probable AD, derived from a tertiary memory clinic specialized in early diagnosis of dementia. Hallucinations were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Results Hallucination prevalence was very low, with only 4.5% (n = 55/1227) affected patients. Hallucinations were mostly visual (n = 40/55) or auditory (n = 12/55). Comorbid delusions were present in over one-third of cases (n = 23/55). Hallucinations were associated with increased dementia severity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and a lifetime history of hallucination-evoking disease (such as depression and sensory impairment), but not with age or gender. Discussion In the largest sample thus far, we report a low prevalence of hallucinations in probable AD patients, comparable to rates in non-demented elderly. Our results suggest that hallucinations are uncommon in early stage AD. Clinicians that encounter hallucinations in patients with early AD should be sensitive to hallucination-evoking comorbidity.
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Nishida H, Hayashi Y, Harada N, Sakurai T, Wakida K. Diagnosing Corticobasal Syndrome Based on the Presence of Visual Hallucinations and Imaging with Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography. Intern Med 2018; 57:605-611. [PMID: 29269636 PMCID: PMC5849562 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8534-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to memory difficulties, visual hallucinations, and slowly progressing motor difficulties in the limbs. A clinical examination revealed bradykinesia, gait disturbance, left-side-dominant rigidity, ideomotor apraxia, dressing apraxia, left-sided spatial agnosia, impaired visuospatial ability, and executive dysfunction. Her symptoms were unresponsive to levodopa, and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) was diagnosed. One year later, amyloid positron emission tomography revealed amyloid beta accumulation in the bilateral cerebral cortices; at this point, CBS with underlying Alzheimer's disease pathology (CBS-AD) was diagnosed. Visual hallucinations may help differentiate CBS with corticobasal degeneration (CBS-CBD) from other pathologies, including CBS-AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishida
- Department of Neurology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hayashi
- Departments of Neurology and Geriatrics, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Naoko Harada
- Department of Neurology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takeo Sakurai
- Department of Neurology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Japan
| | - Kenji Wakida
- Department of Neurology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Japan
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Qian W, Fischer CE, Schweizer TA, Munoz DG. Association Between Psychosis Phenotype and APOE Genotype on the Clinical Profiles of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2018; 15:187-194. [PMID: 28847281 PMCID: PMC6211852 DOI: 10.2174/1567205014666170829114346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosis is a common phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The APOE ε4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for the development of AD, but its association with psychosis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between psychosis, subdivided into delusions and hallucinations, as well as APOE ε4 allele on cognitive and functional outcomes. Secondarily, we investigated the associations between APOE ε4, Lewy bodies, and psychosis. METHODS Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) were used. Nine hundred patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AD based on the NIA-AA Reagan were included in the analysis. Global cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and functional status was assessed using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ). Psychosis status was determined using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). Factorial design was used to assess the effects of psychosis and APOE ε4, as well as their interaction. RESULTS Psychosis and the presence of APOE ε4 were both associated with lower MMSE scores, while only psychosis was associated with higher FAQ scores. Furthermore, patients with hallucinations had lower MMSE and higher FAQ scores than patients with only delusions. There was a significant interaction effect between psychosis and APOE ε4 on MMSE scores, with APOE ε4 negatively affecting patients with hallucinations-only psychosis. APOE ε4 was positively associated with the presence of Lewy body pathology, and both were found to be more prevalent in psychotic patients, with a stronger association with hallucinations. CONCLUSION Psychosis in AD was associated with greater cognitive and functional impairments. Patients with hallucinations-with or without delusions-conferred even greater deficits compared to patients with only delusions. The APOE ε4 allele was associated with worse cognition, especially for patients with hallucination-only psychosis. APOE ε4 may mediate cognitive impairment in the hallucinations phenotype through the development of Lewy bodies. Our findings support that subtypes of psychosis should be evaluated separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Qian
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Corinne E. Fischer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tom A. Schweizer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David G. Munoz
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pathology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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El Haj M, Roche J, Jardri R, Kapogiannis D, Gallouj K, Antoine P. Clinical and neurocognitive aspects of hallucinations in Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:713-720. [PMID: 28235545 PMCID: PMC5565710 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to their prevalence, hallucinations are considered as one of the most frequent psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). These psychotic manifestations reduce patients' well-being, increase the burden of caregivers, contribute to early institutionalization, and are related with the course of cognitive decline in AD. Considering their consequences, we provide a comprehensive account of the current state of knowledge about the prevalence and characteristics of hallucinations in AD. We propose a comprehensive and testable theoretical model about hallucinations in AD: the ALZHA (ALZheimer and HAllucinations) model. In this model, neurological, genetic, cognitive, affective, and iatrogenic factors associated with hallucinations in AD are highlighted. According to the ALZHA model, hallucinations in AD first involve trait markers (i.e., cognitive deficits, neurological deficits, genetic predisposition and/or sensory deficits) to which state markers that may trigger these experiences are added (e.g., psychological distress and/or iatrogenic factors). Finally, we provide recommendations for assessment and management of these psychotic manifestations in AD, with the aim to benefit patients, caregivers, and health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, CHU Lille, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Jean Roche
- CHU de Lille, Unité de Psychogériatrie, Pôle de gérontologie, 59037 Lille, France
| | - Renaud Jardri
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, CHU Lille, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | - Karim Gallouj
- Department of Geriatrics, Tourcoing Hospital, France
| | - Pascal Antoine
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, CHU Lille, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000 Lille, France
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Abstract
This article reviews psychiatric considerations and common psychiatric emergencies in the elderly. The elderly are vulnerable to medication side-effects because of pharmacokinetic changes from aging, and require lower doses and slower titration. They are a high-risk group for suicide, with more serious intent, fewer warning signs, and more lethality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of delirium in emergency settings is essential, given association with worse outcomes when undiagnosed. Pharmacologic options with demonstrable efficacy for agitation in dementia are limited to antipsychotics, which are, however, associated with an increased risk of mortality; behavioral interventions are universally recommended as first-line measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awais Aftab
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10524 Euclid Avenue, 8th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Asim A Shah
- Psychiatric Residency Education, Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Menninger Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 3701 Kirby Drive Suite 600, Houston, TX 77098, USA; Mood Disorder Research Program at BT, Neuropsychiatric Center, Ben Taub Hospital/HHS, Room 2.125, 1502 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Community Behavioral Health Program, Psychotherapy Services, Neuropsychiatric Center, Ben Taub Hospital/HHS, Room 2.125, 1502 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Robles Bayón A, Tirapu de Sagrario M, Gude Sampedro F. Auditory hallucinations in cognitive neurology. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Abstract
Delusion is central to the conceptualization, definition, and identification of schizophrenia. However, in current classifications, the presence of delusions is neither necessary nor sufficient for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, nor is it sufficient to exclude the diagnosis of some other psychiatric conditions. Partly as a consequence of these classification rules, it is possible for delusions to exist transdiagnostically. In this article, we evaluate the extent to which this happens, and in what ways the characteristics of delusions vary according to diagnostic context. We were able to examine their presence and form in delusional disorder, affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and dementia, in all of which they have an appreciable presence. There is some evidence that the mechanisms of delusion formation are, at least to an extent, shared across these disorders. This transdiagnostic extension of delusions is an argument for targeting them therapeutically in their own right. However there is a dearth of research to enable the rational transdiagnostic deployment of either pharmacological or psychological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bebbington
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Tottenham Court Road, London, UK
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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El Haj M, Jardri R, Larøi F, Antoine P. Hallucinations, loneliness, and social isolation in Alzheimer's disease. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2016; 21:1-13. [PMID: 26740416 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2015.1121139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive and functional compromise, as frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), hinders communication and social interactions. One consequence of this hindrance may be a feeling of loneliness. Moreover, emptiness and boredom, as observed in social isolation and loneliness, may thus be compensated for by creating imagined stimuli. Conditions of loneliness may be viewed as potentially generating hallucinatory experiences. To assess this assumption, the present study explored the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and hallucinations in a sample of 22 mild AD participants and 24 elderly, healthy controls. METHODS Participants were assessed using the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and a scale exploring contact with others and social participation. RESULTS More hallucinatory experiences, social isolation, and loneliness were found in the AD group than in the healthy control group. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between hallucinations and loneliness and between hallucinations and social isolation in both groups. Finally, hallucinations were predicted by social isolation. DISCUSSION Hallucinations may constitute a compensatory mechanism that aims to fulfil communication needs in lonely, elderly participants. Hallucinations may also be regarded as experiences that allow certain participants to escape the cycle of boredom, emptiness, and affective deprivation caused by social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- a SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, UMR 9193 , CNRS, CHU Lille, University of Lille , F-59000 Lille , France
| | - Renaud Jardri
- a SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, UMR 9193 , CNRS, CHU Lille, University of Lille , F-59000 Lille , France
| | - Frank Larøi
- b Department of Psychology: Cognition and Behaviour , University of Liège , Liège , Belgium.,c Department of Biological and Medical Psychology , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Pascal Antoine
- a SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, UMR 9193 , CNRS, CHU Lille, University of Lille , F-59000 Lille , France
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D’Onofrio G, Panza F, Sancarlo D, Paris FF, Cascavilla L, Mangiacotti A, Lauriola M, Paroni GH, Seripa D, Greco A. Delusions in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Multidimensional Approach. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:427-37. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-150944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grazia D’Onofrio
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
- Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele Sancarlo
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco F. Paris
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Leandro Cascavilla
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Mangiacotti
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Lauriola
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giulia H. Paroni
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
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Robles Bayón A, Tirapu de Sagrario MG, Gude Sampedro F. Auditory hallucinations in cognitive neurology. Neurologia 2016; 32:345-354. [PMID: 26968826 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different types and localisations of neurological lesions can produce tinnitus and verbal or musical hallucinations (VMH). METHOD These symptoms were screened for in 1,000 outpatients at a cognitive neurology clinic, and epidemiological and neuroimaging data were recorded. RESULTS Tinnitus was present in 6.9% of the total and VMH in 0.9%. The paracusia group was predominantly female but the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with tinnitus were younger and those with VMH were older than the rest of the sample (mean ages). Hearing loss was more prevalent in the paracusia group (difference was significant in VMH subgroup). There were no intergroup differences in the prevalence of psychotic and obsessive-compulsive disorders, or of leukoaraiosis. Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid was more frequent in the VMH group, whereas other non-opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were more commonly prescribed to patients with tinnitus. The suspected cause of VMH was dementia with Lewy bodies (n=2, one with vascular disease), Alzheimer disease (n=2, one with vascular disease), isolated cerebrovascular disease (n=3), traumatic brain injury (n=1), and surgical brainstem lesion (n=1). All VMH cases displayed an underlying factor that might prompt this symptom, eg, hearing loss (n=6), a predisposing drug (n=9), and polypharmacy (n=9). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with benzodiazepines and non-opioid analgesics was more frequent in the tinnitus group, whereas the VMH group showed a higher prevalence of hearing loss and treatment with acetylsalicylic acid. The causes of VMH were dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer disease, and focal lesions in the mesencephalon, pons, left temporal lobe, or left claustrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Robles Bayón
- Unidad de Neurología Cognitiva, Hospital La Rosaleda, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España.
| | | | - F Gude Sampedro
- Unidad de Epidemiología Clínica, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España
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El Haj M, Larøi F, Gély-Nargeot MC, Raffard S. Inhibitory deterioration may contribute to hallucinations in Alzheimer's disease. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2016; 20:281-95. [PMID: 25788117 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2015.1023392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although delusions and hallucinations are relatively common symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), very little is known regarding underlying mechanisms. We examined whether these manifestations could be underpinned by psychological distress and executive impairments. METHODS Thirty-one participants with probable mild AD and 33 healthy older adults were administered a neuropsychological and clinical battery assessing delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, episodic memory and executive functions (shifting, updating and inhibition). RESULTS Prevalence of delusions and hallucinations were significantly higher in AD participants compared to control participants. Further, hallucinations in AD participants were significantly correlated with poor inhibition, with the latter uniquely predicting the former, as compared to other variables. In addition, hallucinations in AD participants were associated with depression, a relationship that was further mediated by inhibition. CONCLUSION Hallucinations in individuals with AD seem to be related to difficulties suppressing irrelevant thoughts, resulting in these irrelevant thoughts becoming confused with ongoing reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad El Haj
- a Laboratoire SCALab UMR CNRS 9193 , University of Lille , Lille , France
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Cognitive impairments may mimic delusions. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:870-3. [PMID: 26428906 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Delusions are often recognized as key to the concept of psychosis. What is delusion is one of the basic questions of psychopathology. The common denominator of definitions of delusions is the divergence between the strong conviction in the delusional belief and superior evidences to the contrary which are continually ignored. An implicit, sustainably unspoken assumption is that the person with delusional belief has cognitive capacities to process the (counter-)arguments relevant to their delusion. However, individual's cognitive capacities are not being emphasized when delusions are evaluated. Moreover, the impact of cognitive decline on formation of delusions is neglected, both in theory and practice. We elaborate that cognitive deficits may facilitate, oppose, or mimic delusions. We focus on the last, which can lead to diagnosing as delusion what could be explained by cognitive decline and better called pseudo-delusion. The risk is significant when cognition is impaired, as in demented people; an issue which has not yet been debated. True delusions are incompatible with person's cognitive capacities, i.e., if we take into account person's cognitive status, we still cannot understand how the person holds the strange belief with an extraordinary conviction. Pseudo-delusions would be beliefs, thoughts or judgments that at first seem delusional (they are false, subculturally atypical beliefs that are strongly maintained in the face of counterargument), but lose the essence of delusions after we take cognitive impairment into account. Pseudo-delusions could actually be explained or understood by person's cognitive impairments, they "fit into" them. The reported reality-based contents of delusions in the elderly, poor response to antipsychotics and lack of association with early or family history of psychiatric disorders could in part be accounted for by the bias of misdiagnosing the cognitive impairment as the delusion. Not recognizing that the cognitive impairment underlies formation of pseudo-delusions and misdiagnosing it as delusions may lead to focusing on antipsychotic treatment, instead on treatment of the underlying cognitive deficit.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the occurrence of psychotic or quasi-psychotic experiences in older people with anxiety disorders. METHODS We used a cross-sectional national probability sample of community-residing individuals to investigate the prevalence and correlates of delusion-like experiences in older people with DSM-IV anxiety disorders. The 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being (NSMHWB) included 1,905 persons between the ages of 65 and 85 years. Anxiety disorder diagnoses were established using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI v3). Participants were asked about three types of delusion-like experiences: thought control or interference, special meaning, and special powers. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationship between a 12-month history of any anxiety disorder and the presence of these delusion-like experiences, adjusting for several potential confounders. RESULTS Eighty-two of 1,905 (4.3%) older people met criteria for an anxiety disorder over the previous 12 months. Of these, six reported delusion-like experiences, whereas the prevalence of these experiences among older people without anxiety disorder was 26/1,822 (7.3% vs. 1.4%; χ(2) = 16.5; p = 0.000). In a logistic regression model, male gender (OR 0.38; p = 0.019), separated marital status (OR 4.86; p = 0.017), and the presence of anxiety disorder (OR 5.33; p = 0.001) were independently associated with delusion-like experiences, whereas MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) score, general medical conditions and affective disorder were not. CONCLUSIONS In this cross-sectional study, self-reported delusion-like experiences occurred at increased prevalence among community-residing older persons with anxiety disorder. More work is needed to clarify the nature and significance of these findings.
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Hölttä E, Laakkonen ML, Laurila J, Strandberg T, Tilvis R, Pitkälä K. Psychotic symptoms of dementia, their relationship with delirium and prognostic value. Eur Geriatr Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Salazar R, Royall DR, Palmer RF. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in community-dwelling Mexican-Americans: results from the Hispanic Established Population for Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2015; 30:300-7. [PMID: 24838594 PMCID: PMC4898196 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) is a well-established measure of psychopathology and frequently used in dementia studies. Little is known about its psychometric characteristics at a population level, particularly among Hispanics. We report the frequency of NPI symptoms in a community-dwelling older Mexican-American (MA) population cohort and the degree of symptom-related distress experienced by participant informants. METHODS Participants were 1079 MA age 80 years and over residing in five southwestern states who were administered the NPI as part of wave-7 of the Hispanic Established Population for Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) conducted from 2010 to 2011. RESULTS Nine hundred twenty-five informants rated NPI domains. Prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) varied by symptom domain and ranged from agitation/aggression (32%) to euphoria/elation (5%). The overall rate of behavioral disturbances was 62.7%. On the other hand, 37.3% of informants reported no NPS. A significant fraction of the informants reported distress from the mood disorder cluster of the scale. CONCLUSIONS A large percentage (>60%) of community-dwelling older MA have one or more informant-reported NPS. These symptoms have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Although neuropsychiatric disorders may be the initial clinical manifestation of dementia and often appear before cognitive alterations, the high frequency of these symptoms in the HEPESE cohort may reflect a high prevalence of these disorders among community-dwelling MA. The pattern we observed also suggests relatively advanced stages of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Salazar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Trahan MA, Donaldson JM, McNabney MK, Kahng S. THE INFLUENCE OF ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES ON THE OCCURRENCE OF BIZARRE SPEECH IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maranda A. Trahan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Trahan Behavioral Services; Brevard County FL USA
| | - Jeanne M. Donaldson
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership; Texas Tech University; Lubbock TX USA
- Department of Pediatrics; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Behavioral Psychology; Kennedy Krieger Institute; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Matthew K. McNabney
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| | - SungWoo Kahng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Health Psychology, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders; University of Missouri; Columbia MO USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous use of heterogeneous diagnostic criteria and insensitive cognitive measures has impeded clarification of the extent and type of cognitive impairment specific to late-onset delusional disorder. We examined whether clinical presentations of late-onset delusional disorder are associated with prodromal or established dementia, and whether it might be a discrete clinical syndrome characterized by its own profile of cognitive impairment. METHOD Nineteen patients with late-onset delusional disorder from a hospital psychiatric service and 20 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD) from an outpatient memory clinic were recruited in a consecutive case series. All patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that included general intellectual function, executive function, new learning and delayed memory, language, processing speed, and visuo-perceptual skills. RESULTS Late-onset delusional disorder patients showed moderate impairment to conceptual reasoning, visual object recognition, processing speed, and confrontation naming. Severe impairment appeared in visuo-perceptual planning and organization, and divided attention. Compared with the Alzheimer's disease (AD) group, the late-onset delusional disorder group demonstrated significantly poorer visuo-perceptual skills but a significantly better capacity to consolidate information into delayed memory. CONCLUSIONS A high rate of marked cognitive impairment occurs in late-onset delusional disorder. There was evidence of a conceptual reasoning deficit, plus the presence of a visuo-perceptual impairment affecting object recognition. This impairment profile can explain the genesis and maintenance of the observed delusions. Understanding late-onset delusional disorder as other than a purely psychiatric phenomenon or a precursor to AD will lead to better assessment and management approaches.
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Boudet B, Giacobini T, Ferrané I, Fortin C, Mollaret C, Lerasle F, Rumeau P. Quels sont les objets égarés à domicile par les personnes âgées fragiles ? Une étude pilote sur 60 personnes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.npg.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Cohen-Mansfield J, Golander H, Heinik J. Delusions and hallucinations in persons with dementia: a comparison of the perceptions of formal and informal caregivers. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2013; 26:251-8. [PMID: 24212245 DOI: 10.1177/0891988713509136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study compares formal and informal caregivers' perceptions of delusions and hallucinations in older persons with dementia (PWDs). The study population consisted of 151 community-dwelling PWDs aged 65 and older, 90 formal caregivers, and 151 informal caregivers residing in Israel. Assessments included the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Etiological Assessment of Psychotic Symptoms in Dementia, Activities of Daily Living, and Mini-Mental State Examination. Informal caregivers reported higher rates and a higher level of severity of delusions and hallucinations than formal caregivers. Different caregivers showed varying degrees of emotional involvement, empathy, and efforts to find the meaning of the delusion for the person experiencing it. Family members and staff members may see different parts of the total picture. The combination of both points of view is essential in order to establish an accurate, comprehensive assessment of dementia symptoms and to enhance the understanding of the reality of the different parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Herczeg Institute on Aging, Minerva Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life,, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Vilalta-Franch J, López-Pousa S, Calvó-Perxas L, Garre-Olmo J. Psychosis of Alzheimer disease: prevalence, incidence, persistence, risk factors, and mortality. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2013; 21:1135-43. [PMID: 23567368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2013.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the prevalence, incidence, persistence, risk factors, and mortality risk increase of psychosis of Alzheimer disease (PoAD) in a clinical sample. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS Cross-sectional, observational study of 491 patients with probable AD who, at baseline visit, were evaluated with the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-10, the Rapid Disability Rating Scale-2, and the Zarit Burden Interview. All participants were reevaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. PoAD diagnoses were made using specific criteria. RESULTS PoAD prevalence was 7.3%, and the cumulative incidence at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 5.8%, 10.6%, 13.5%, and 15.1%, respectively. After 1 year, psychotic symptoms persisted in 68.7% of the patients with initial PoAD. At baseline, patients with PoAD scored lower in the Cambridge Cognitive Examination and Mini-Mental State Examination and higher in the Rapid Disability Rating Scale-2 and Zarit Burden Interview tests. Both low scores in the Cambridge Cognitive Examination subscale of learning memory (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.874; 95% CI: 0.788-0.969; Wald χ2 = 6.515; df = 1) and perception (HR = 0.743; 95% CI: 0.610-0.904; Wald χ2 = 8.778; df = 1), and high scores in expressive language (HR = 1.179; 95% CI: 1.024-1.358; Wald χ2 = 5.261; df = 1) and calculation skills (HR = 1.763; 95% CI: 1.067-2.913; Wald χ2 = 4.905; df = 1) were found to be associated with PoAD. PoAD leads to a faster functional impairment, and it increases mortality risk (HR = 2.191; 95% CI: 1.136-4.228; Wald χ2 = 5.471; df = 1) after controlling for age, gender, cognitive and functional disability, general health status, and antipsychotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS PoAD seems to define a phenotype of AD of greater severity, with worsened functional progression and increased mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Vilalta-Franch
- Research Unit, Institut d'Assistència Sanitària, Salt, Spain; Dementia Unit, Hospital de Santa Caterina, Salt, Spain
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Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of pharmacoresistant nondelusional auditory verbal hallucinations in dementia. Case Rep Psychiatry 2013; 2013:930304. [PMID: 24198993 PMCID: PMC3808098 DOI: 10.1155/2013/930304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are known as a core symptom of schizophrenia, but also occur in a number of other conditions, not least in neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia. In the last decades, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) emerged as a valuable therapeutic approach towards several neurological and psychiatric diseases, including AVHs. Herein we report a case of a seventy-six-years-old woman with vascular-degenerative brain disease, complaining of threatening AVHs. The patient was treated with a high-frequency temporoparietal (T3P3) rTMS protocol for fifteen days. A considerable reduction of AVHs in frequency and content (no more threatening) was observed. Although further research is needed, this seems an encouraging result.
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