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Motor signs during the course of Alzheimer disease

N Scarmeas1, G M Hadjigeorgiou, A Papadimitriou

  • 1Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and Department of Neurology, New York, NY 10032, USA. ns257@columbia.edu

Neurology
|September 29, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Motor signs (MOSIs) are common in Alzheimer disease (AD). Most MOSIs progress rapidly, but tremor is less frequent and slower progressing in AD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Motor signs (MOSIs) are frequently observed in Alzheimer disease (AD).
  • MOSIs may correlate with cognitive decline, mortality, and healthcare costs in AD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the progression of individual motor signs in Alzheimer disease.
  • To identify predictors for the onset of specific motor signs in AD.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal cohort study followed 474 early-stage AD patients for up to 13.1 years.
  • Motor signs were assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.
  • Cox models were employed to identify predictors of MOSI incidence.

Main Results:

  • At least one MOSI was present in 13% initially and 36% by the final evaluation.
  • Annual progression rates for speech/facial expression, rigidity, posture/gait, and bradykinesia ranged from 2.45% to 4%.
  • Tremor was less common (4% to 7%) and progressed slower (0.75%/year).

Conclusions:

  • The majority of motor signs manifest frequently and advance rapidly in Alzheimer disease.
  • Tremor represents an exception, appearing less often and progressing at a slower rate in AD.

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