02-28-2007, 11:33 AM
A 68-year-old man is admitted to the hospital for delirium associated with a urinary tract infection. Upon adequate treatment of the infection, the patient's mental status improves significantly, though he is noted to remain partly disoriented. He also has an impairment in short-term memory, difficulties in naming simple objects, and impaired concentration. His family members confirm an 8-month history of gradual progressive decline in cognitive abilities, which they attribute to old-age. However, the man is no longer able to manage his finances and has gotten lost while driving to the grocery store on two occasions. Prior to discharge from the hospital, the nursing staff reports that the patient continues to have urinary incontinence, though his infection has resolved. He is also noted to have a very unsteady gait, requiring assistance when walking. No other obvious signs or symptoms are present. Which disorder most likely accounts for this patient's dementia?
A. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
B. Huntington disease
C. Normal pressure hydrocephalus
D. Parkinson disease
E. Pick disease
A. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
B. Huntington disease
C. Normal pressure hydrocephalus
D. Parkinson disease
E. Pick disease