Pre-Progression Rates in Alzheimer's Disease Revisited

Article type: Short Communication

Authors: Schmidt, Christian^{; *} | Karch, André | Artjomova, Svetlana | Hoeschel, Martin | Zerr, Inga

Affiliations: Clinical Dementia Center, Department of Neurology, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Dr. Christian Schmidt, Department of Neurology, Georg August University Hospital, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany. Tel.: +49 551 39 6636; Fax: +49 551 39 7020; E-mail: cschmid2@gwdg.de.

Abstract: Background:Pre-progression rates (PPR) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been reported to be associated with cognitive and functional decline. Objective:The objective was to reevaluate PPRs in a prospective cohort of AD patients. Methods:A prospective AD cohort was analyzed. Multiple regression was used to examine associations of PPRs with short term decline on different cognitive and functional scales (MMSE, instrumental and basic ADL, GDS, UPDRS III). Results:PPRs were only associated with first year instrumental ADL declines. Conclusion:The predictive abilities of PPRs could partially be confirmed. These findings can help to adapt patient care shortly after diagnosis.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, pre-progression rate, progression

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-130074

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 451-454, 2013