Cognitive sequelae of lithium intoxication: a case report. (24th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frisch, Stefan; Grünwald, Frank; Friedrichs, Benedikt
• Is Part Of: International psychogeriatrics. Volume 29:Number 10(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1747
• Page End: 1751
• Publication Date: 2017-04-24
• Subjects: lithium intoxication, -- cognitive deficits, -- neuropychology, -- positron emission tomography (PET); Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9768905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610217000540
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-6102

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Lithium intoxication is known to induce cognitive deficits along with motor and behavioral changes, even in association with normal serum levels. However, cases with comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of the deficits are rare. In our patient, we initially found severe cognitive deficits, including apraxia and visuo-constructive problems, and temporo-parietal FDG–PET hypometabolism. Neuropsychological and imaging findings were highly suggestive of Alzheimer's disease. However, lithium intoxication was suspected to account for these findings because of a Parkinson's syndrome, despite serum levels being in the upper therapeutic range. This was confirmed as cessation of lithium medication not only let the Parkinson's syndrome disappear, but also lead to dramatic improvements with respect to cognition.