Seizures can precede cognitive symptoms in late-onset Alzheimer's disease

J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;27(4):737-42. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-110896.

Abstract

This study describes late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage, debuting with seizures in a 72 year-old woman. Prodromal AD was consistently diagnosed with four among amyloidosis and neurodegeneration biomarkers about 1 year after onset of seizures. Genetic assessment demonstrated apolipoprotein E ε2/ε3 genotype and three intronic single nucleotide substitutions, two in presenilin 1 and one in amyloid-β protein precursor genes. This case of seizures at onset of LOAD with severe signs of brain amyloidosis and neurodegeneration but with just MCI leads to a re-appraisal of the intriguing relationship between AD pathology and neuron excitability in humans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / complications*
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Apolipoprotein E3 / genetics
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Disease Progression*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Seizures / etiology*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Apolipoprotein E3
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18