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Autonomic dysfunction in dementia

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Louise Allan, Professor Ian McKeith, Professor Rose Anne Kenny

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Abstract

Background: There are no studies of autonomic function comparing Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VAD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). Aims: To assess cardiovascular autonomic function in 39 patients with AD, 30 with VAD, 30 with DLB, 40 with PDD and 38 elderly controls by Ewing's battery of autonomic function tests and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. To determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and autonomic neuropathies by Ewing's classification. Results: There were significant differences in severity of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction between the four types of dementia. PDD and DLB had considerable dysfunction. VAD showed limited evidence of autonomic dysfunction and in AD, apart from orthostatic hypotension, autonomic functions were relatively unimpaired. PDD showed consistent impairment of both parasympathetic and sympathetic function tests in comparison with controls (all p < 0.001) and AD (all p < 0.03). DLB showed impairment of parasympathetic function (all p < 0.05) and one of the sympathetic tests in comparison with controls (orthostasis; p = 0.02). PDD had significantly more impairment than DLB in some autonomic parameters (Valsalva ratio: p = 0.024; response to isometric exercise: p = 0.002). Patients with VAD showed impairment in two parasympathetic tests (orthostasis: p = 0.02; Valsalva ratio: p = 0.08) and one sympathetic test (orthostasis: p = 0.04). These results were in contrast with AD patients who only showed impairment in one sympathetic response (orthostasis: p = 0.004). The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and autonomic neuropathies was higher in all dementias than in controls (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Autonomic dysfunction occurs in all common dementias but is especially prominent in PDD with important treatment implications.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Allan LM, Ballard CG, Allen J, Murray A, Davidson AW, McKeith IG, Kenny RA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry

Year: 2007

Volume: 78

Issue: 7

Pages: 671-677

ISSN (print): 0022-3050

ISSN (electronic): 1468-330X

Publisher: B M J Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2006.102343

DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2006.102343


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
G0500247Medical Research Council
G0400074Medical Research Council
G0502157Medical Research Council

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