Pronounced impairment of everyday skills and self-care in posterior cortical atrophy

J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;43(2):381-4. doi: 10.3233/JAD-141071.

Abstract

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by progressive visual dysfunction and parietal, occipital, and occipitotemporal atrophy. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of PCA and typical Alzheimer's disease (tAD) on everyday functional abilities and neuropsychiatric status. The Cambridge Behavioural Inventory-Revised was given to carers of 32 PCA and 71 tAD patients. PCA patients showed significantly greater impairment in everyday skills and self-care while the tAD group showed greater impairment in aspects of memory and orientation, and motivation. We suggest that PCA poses specific challenges for those caring for people affected by the condition.

Keywords: Caregivers; early onset Alzheimer's disease; psychology; questionnaires; self-care; self-report.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Atrophy / complications
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / etiology
  • Male
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / complications
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / psychology
  • Self Care*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology