Differential diagnosis of dementia using physiological measures

A Journal of Postdoctoral Research.

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ISSN : 2328-9791

Differential diagnosis of dementia using physiological measures

Aditi Joshi.

University of California at Los Angeles

11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90073 USA

aditijoshi@mednet.ucla.edu

Alzheimerâ€™s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are two common types of dementias with overlapping clinical features. Given the differences in disease specific therapies, accuracy of diagnosis during life is of prime importance1, 2. Post-mortem neuropathological exams confirm diagnosis of AD. However during life, few diagnostic tests distinguish AD from other dementia types. Currently, I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scans are used to diagnose DLB3 and differentiate it from other dementias. However, these scans are expensive and time consuming and hence, alternative diagnostic methods need to be explored. Scientific curiosity for autonomic function tests in neurological disorders has been increasing to achieve accurate differential diagnosis4.