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A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
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Clinical Manifestations
Guelngar Carlos Othon1, Juste Milman Kadji1, Foksouna Sakadi2
1Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen National Hospital, Conakry, Conakry, Conakry, Guinea.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 25, 2025
Summary
This study reveals the diverse causes of dementia in a tropical region, highlighting challenges in diagnosis due to limited healthcare access. Findings aid in understanding dementia spectrum in under-medicalized tropical environments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Tropical Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dementia diagnosis is challenging in tropical regions due to under-medicalization and delayed consultations.
- A retrospective study was conducted at Conakry University Hospital Center over five years.
- The study aimed to re-evaluate the clinical and etiological profiles of dementia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical and etiological spectrum of dementia in a tropical environment.
- To address diagnostic difficulties in under-medicalized settings.
- To provide insights into dementia epidemiology in West Africa.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study of 203 hospitalized dementia patients (2019-2024).
- Diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria, assessing higher function disorders (memory, language, apraxia, agnosia, executive function).
- Utilized Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), 5-word test, brain MRI, and biological assessments.
Main Results:
- 203 dementia cases identified, representing 19.35% of hospitalized neurology patients.
- Key etiologies included vascular dementia (43 cases), syphilitic dementia (38), and Alzheimer's type (33).
- Other causes identified: toxic dementia (29), Huntington's disease (20), and dementia with Lewy bodies (12).
Conclusions:
- The study presents a comprehensive clinical and etiological profile of dementia in a tropical setting.
- Findings underscore the impact of under-medicalization on dementia diagnosis and management.
- Highlights the diverse range of dementia causes prevalent in this specific tropical environment.
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