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Brain Lesions and Cognitive Function in Late-Life Psychosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Bruce L. Miller ,
Ira M. Lesser ,
Kyle B. Boone ,
Elizabeth Hill ,
C. Mark Mehringer  and
Keith Wong
Bruce L. Miller*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology
Ira M. Lesser
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry
Kyle B. Boone
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry
Elizabeth Hill
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry
C. Mark Mehringer
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
Keith Wong
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
*
∗Department of Neurology, B-4, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson St, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
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Abstract

Twenty-four patients who developed their first psychotic episode after the age of 45 were studied with MRI and comprehensive neuropsychological testing and compared with 72 healthy elderly subjects. The patients demonstrated more clinical abnormalities on MRI, were more likely to have large white-matter lesions or metabolic illness, and did more poorly on many neuropsychological tests, particularly those testing frontal-lobe and memory abilities. We conclude that structural brain injury is commonly associated with the late onset of psychosis. Neuroimaging investigations are a valuable component in the evaluation of this patient group.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 158 , Issue 1 , January 1991 , pp. 76 - 82
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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