Time to Diagnosis in Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease: A Population-Based Study from Central Norway.
Abstract
Young onset dementia is associated with a longer time to diagnosis compared to late onset dementia. Earlier publications have indicated that atypical presentation is a key contributing factor to the diagnostic delay. Our hypothesis was that even the most common presentation of Alzheimer's disease is associated with a substantial diagnostic delay in patients < 65 years. To determine the time to diagnosis, and time lags in the diagnostic pathway in typical young onset Alzheimer's disease in central Norway. The main sources of patients were the databases at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Trondheim (St. Olav's Hospital), and Department of Psychiatry, Levanger Hospital. Other sources included key persons in the communities, collaborating hospital departments examining patients with suspected cognitive impairment, and review of hospital records of all three hospitals in the area. Information on the time lags, and the clinical assessment, including the use of biomarkers, was collected from hospital notes. Caregivers were interviewed by telephone. Time from first symptom to diagnosis in typical young onset Alzheimer's disease was 5.5 years (n = 223, SD 2.8). Time from onset to contact with healthcare services (usua...Continue Reading
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