ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative dementias have a progressive course, impairing cognition, functional capacity, and behavior. Most studies have focused on AD. Severe dementia is associated with increased age, higher morbidity-mortality, and rising costs of care. It is fundamental to recognize that severe dementia is the longest period of progression, with patients living for many years in this stage. It is the most heterogeneous phase in the process, with different abilities and life expectancies. This practice guideline focuses on severe dementia to improve management and care in this stage of dementia. As it is a long period in the continuum of dementia, clinical practice should consider non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Multidisciplinary interventions (physical therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, nursing, and others) are essential, besides educational and support to caregivers.
A doença de Alzheimer (DA) e outras demências neurodegenerativas têm um curso progressivo com comprometimento da cognição, capacidade funcional e comportamento. A maioria dos estudos enfocou a DA. A demência grave está associada ao aumento da idade, maior morbimortalidade e aumento dos custos de cuidados. É fundamental reconhecer que a demência grave é o período mais longo de progressão, com o paciente vivendo muitos anos nesta fase. É a fase mais heterogênea do processo, com diferentes habilidades e expectativa de vida. Esta diretriz de prática concentra-se na demência grave para melhorar o manejo e o cuidado nessa fase da demência. Como um longo período no continuum da demência, as abordagens não farmacológicas e farmacológicas devem ser consideradas. Intervenções multidisciplinares (fisioterapia, fonoaudiologia, nutrição, enfermagem, entre outras) são essenciais, além de educacionais e de apoio aos cuidadores.
ABSTRACT
A 62-year-old male presented to our clinic with recurrent fever, skin lesions (petechiae), scleral wounds, and hilar adenomegaly. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established, which resolved with corticosteroid treatment. After a few months, the patient developed confusion and behavioral changes, with few objective neurological deficits. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed slight focal meningeal enhancement (prepontine region). The level of angiotensin-converting enzymes was normal in the serum and increased in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, and corticosteroid treatment was prescribed, yielding good clinical response. Nine months later, the patient presented with multiple ischemic strokes, and arteriography demonstrated multiple distal irregularities in all arterial territories, suggesting cerebral vasculitis. Even with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient died. Vasculitis is rarely seen in association with sarcoidosis, and in this case, no systemic manifestation was observed at the time that the patient developed vasculitis.
