A 4-Year Follow-Up of Very Old Patients Presenting with Frontal-Subcortical Dysfunction Compared with Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

Vol. 51, No. 1, 2005

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Clinical Section

A 4-Year Follow-Up of Very Old Patients Presenting with Frontal-Subcortical Dysfunction Compared with Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Pierre Pfitzenmeyer^a, France Mourey^a, Patrick Manckoundia^a, Philippe d'Athis^b

^aService de Médecine Gériatrique, Centre de Champmaillot,
^bService de Biostatistique et d'Informatique Médicale, Hôpital le Bocage, Dijon, France

Address of Corresponding Author

Gerontology 2005;51:62-65 (DOI: 10.1159/000081437)

Key Words

Frontal-subcortical clinical syndrome
Alzheimer's disease
Prognosis

Abstract

Background: Frontal-subcortical clinical syndrome (FSCS) is frequently described in elderly patients and consists of specific alterations in cognition and motor functions. This clinical picture may be associated with a high level of dependence and a high mortality risk. Objective: We report the risks of institutionalization and death during a follow-up of 4 years in patients showing FSCS. Methods: The study was initiated in 1998 to compare FSCS patients showing postural and gait abnormalities with Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Follow-up was conducted by means of telephone interviews with the patient's general practitioner over a 4-year period (1998-2002). Results: Both institutionalization and mortality rates were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the FSCS group compared to the AD group. Conclusions: The high risk of disability and death in FSCS patients suggests that they might require specific care programs that include stimulation in daily living activities in order to reduce the risk of institutionalization and to improve quality of life.

Author Contacts

P. Pfitzenmeyer, MD
Service de Médecine Interne Gériatrique, Centre de Champmaillot
2, rue Jules Violle, CHRU BP 87 909
FR-21079 Dijon (France)
Tel. +33 3 80 29 39 70, Fax +33 3 80 29 36 21, E-Mail ppfitzenmeyer@chu-dijon.fr

Article Information

Received: May 8, 2003
Accepted: April 15, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 17

Medline Abstract (ID 15591758)

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