Psychosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Psychiatric Annals, 01/23/09

Klimstra S et al. - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the United States and one of the most common reasons for admission to assisted-living and nursing-care facilities. The principle deficit in AD is progressive memory impairment. However, other associated cognitive, behavioral, and perceptual disturbances can occur, including psychosis. The psychosis of AD does not afflict all patients, but when present, it complicates the clinical picture of the disease and can be devastating to both patients and caregivers. Its presence is associated with greater impairment in the patient's quality of life and daily life activities, greater likelihood of entry to a nursing home, and greater caregiver distress. Psychosis of AD is also associated with a greater likelihood of physical aggression.