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An autopsy case of Alzheimer's disease with a progressive supranuclear palsy overlap
K Urasaki1, K Kuriki, M Namerikawa
1Department of Pathology, Omiya Medical Center, Jichi Medical School, Amanuma, Japan. kurasaki@jichi.ac.jp
Abstract:
A 74-year-old man developed abnormal forgetfulness, soon followed by unstable speech content and marked disorientation. At 77 years of age, the patient started to occasionally fall, an aspect of progressive supranuclear palsy. He then became bedridden. The patient eventually died of pneumonia at 79 years of age. Neuropathological examination revealed profiles of both progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease. Although the two conditions both belong to tauopathy, their pathologically proven combination was rare. Furthermore, the case had the possibility of being a subgroup of tauopathy.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare combination of progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease, both tauopathies, in an elderly patient. The findings suggest a potential new subgroup within tauopathy research.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Tauopathies
Background:
- Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are distinct neurodegenerative disorders.
- Both PSP and AD are characterized by the accumulation of tau protein aggregates, classifying them as tauopathies.
- Co-occurrence of PSP and AD is pathologically rare.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented with progressive cognitive decline, including forgetfulness, speech difficulties, and disorientation.
- Clinical progression included gait instability and falls at age 77, leading to being bedridden.
- The patient died at age 79 from pneumonia.
Findings:
- Neuropathological examination confirmed the co-existence of both progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- The combined tauopathy presented a rare pathological profile.
- The case suggests the possibility of a distinct subgroup within tauopathies.
Implications:
- This rare case expands the understanding of tauopathy presentations.
- Investigating such combined pathologies may reveal novel insights into disease mechanisms.
- Further research into this potential tauopathy subgroup could inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.