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Does He Have Alzheimer's?

What is your Differential Diagnosis?

Reflect on the information you have gathered thus far.

• Chief complaint: memory loss and black outs
• Other major symptoms: urinary incontinence, trouble walking
• Items noted from history: 60 pack-year smoking history, alcohol abuse issues, head injury within the last year
• Abnormalities noted from the physical and neurological exam:
  • decreased strength bilaterally in lower extremities,
  • diminished vibratory sensation bilaterally in lower extremities,
  • increased reflexes bilaterally on patellar and ankle reflexes,
  • plantar reflex was extensor bilaterally,
  • mild ataxia,
  • shuffling gait,
  • patient is confused and not oriented to place or time,
  • dyscalculia,
  • impaired immediate recall,
  • task apraxia,
  • impaired judgment,
  • could not follow simple commands.

What is your differential at this time?

What is dementia?

What is the differential diagnosis of dementia?

What are the most common types of dementia?

What would you do next?