Simultaneous onset of Alzheimer's disease in a husband and wife in their mid-fifties: what do we really know about environmental factors?

INTRODUCTION: Environmental factors can play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We present a case of the simultaneous onset of Alzheimer's disease in two middle aged adults. CASE PRESENTATION: A married couple ages 54 year and 51-year-old female cohabiting together were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease within the same year. The patient's both developed cognitive decline shortly after a major renovation of their property and followed a similar disease course. The diagnosis was supported by clinical presentation and tissue pathology on autopsy. CONCLUSION: Environmental factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Further understanding of the disease cascade is required.