[Neurochemical early and differential diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease]. / Demenz-Fahndung im Labor. Die Liquoranalyse erkennt Alzheimer schon sehr früh.

Current medication procedures for Alzheimer's dementia (AD) such as inhibitors of acetyl cholinesterase or Memantine and future therapeutic approaches demand improved early diagnostics. However, the differentiation between early cognitive impairments due to primary progressive demential conditions and cognitive deficits in geriatric or depressive people is a great clinical challenge. The detection of biochemical markers such as beta-amyloid peptide and tau proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid can lead to improved diagnostics of the early stages and premonitory symptoms of AD. As a result, future preventive drug treatment strategies can be employed early and selectively.

Development of obsessive-compulsive behaviour following cortisone treatment.

In this report, we will describe the first case of obsessive-compulsive behaviour following oral corticosteroid treatment in a 75-year old adult male patient with pulmonary disease, but without previous psychiatric symptoms or organic brain disorder. We will also discuss the clinical and pathophysiological considerations.