engleski

Depression- the first sigh of Alzheimer´s disease

A 77 year-old female patient experienced first mental disorders six years ago when she complained of lack of interest and will and therefore visited a psychiatrist. Due to depressive sympthomatology, an antidepressant drug was introduced to which the patient only showed discrete response. Methods: Since a considerable reduction of symptoms was not established after three months of regular medication, both psychological testing and neurological examinations were carried out. Psychodiagnostic assessment revealed mnestic activity disturbances and the beginning of organic changes, while neurological examination established the diagnosis of Mb. Alzheimer. Results: Donepezil titrated up to 7, 5 mg was introduced and the patient showed mild improvements in her psychological state for the following 13 months when a relapse occurred. For the next 48 months the course of illness was slower and accompanied by medication titration. Conclusion: During the lifelong treatment all the symptoms of the stated disease have developed. The acute phase included psychomotor agitation, appetite increase, and disorientation. The medications introduced insured a slower course of basic illness, which is, however, chronic and progressive.

depression ; Alzheimer´s disease

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