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Pseudobulbar Affect Among Patients With Dementia.
Lily Charron1, Eduardo D Espiridion2,3
1Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, West Reading, USA.
Cureus
|February 28, 2025
Summary
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a mood disorder often seen in dementia patients. This study identified a cohort with both dementia and PBA, highlighting the need for better understanding and management of these comorbid conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder impacting daily living, with diverse causes like Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
- Patients with dementia often experience cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and mood symptoms.
- Pseudobulbar affect (PBA), characterized by uncontrollable emotional outbursts, is an understudied mood symptom in dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe a cohort of patients diagnosed with both dementia and pseudobulbar affect (PBA).
- To lay the groundwork for future research into PBA within the dementia patient population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the TriNetX database to identify patients with co-occurring dementia and PBA.
- Descriptive analysis of the identified patient cohort.
Main Results:
- The study identified a cohort of patients with both dementia and PBA.
- Comorbid conditions included postconcussion syndrome (73%), overt dementia (18%), mild cognitive impairment (49%), and amnesia (42%).
- Many patients also had comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Conclusions:
- The presence of multiple mood disorders and symptoms complicates dementia management and increases patient and caregiver distress.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective management of PBA in dementia patients are crucial for improving clinical outcomes.
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