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Home > Diazepam Toxicity Presenting as a Dementia Disorder.

TitleDiazepam Toxicity Presenting as a Dementia Disorder.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsKurlawala, Z, Roberts, JA, McMillan, JD, Friedland, RP
JournalJ Alzheimers Dis
Volume66
Issue3
Pagination935-938
Date Published2018
ISSN1875-8908
Abstract

The toxicity associated with long-standing benzodiazepine use in older persons is a critical issue. Several epidemiological reports have studied correlation between benzodiazepine use and risk of dementia development. In this manuscript, we used a case report to demonstrate how chronic diazepam use can cause cognitive deficits that resemble Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. Benzodiazepine use is common in the geriatric population and is often taken for long periods of time in improper doses. In combination with age-related cortical atrophy on the MRI, our patient risked being misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another dementing disorder if not for the systematic investigation to resolve his symptoms. With elimination of the offending dispensable drug (diazepam), the patient's cognition improved greatly.

DOI10.3233/JAD-180745
Alternate JournalJ. Alzheimers Dis.
PubMed ID30400100
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Source URL: https://www.j-alz.com/content/diazepam-toxicity-presenting-dementia-disorder