Management of the predementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, complicated with hypoactive delirium

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in elderly population leading to the development of dementia. The emergence of modern diagnostic approaches makes possible reveal AD at predementia stage and study new drugs with pathogenetic and neuroprotective properties before severe cognitive impairment (dementia) arises. We present a description of patient with amnestic type of mild cognitive impairment with subsequent follow-up for more than two years. AD presence in mentioned patient was confirmed by evaluation of specific clinical, laboratory and instrumental biomarkers. Therapy with akatinol memantine (one of the main antidementia drugs in AD) at dose 20 mg/day was accompanied by cognitive defect stabilization. After two years of therapy acute severe decompensation related to hypoactive delirium due to respiratory infection was observed, which was followed by marked cognitive status deterioration. Daily dose of akatinol memantine was increased to 30 mg with subsequent restoration of baseline cognitive status. Possible mechanisms of akatinol memantine action and its effects in management of geriatric patients with AD including role in delirium therapy are discussed.