Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Gerald Silverberg, Martha Mayo, Thomas Saul, Jere Fellmann, Dawn McGuire
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is there a frequency of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure in Alzheimer's disease patients without normal pressure hydrocephalus?
Conclusion
About 4% of carefully screened Alzheimer's disease patients had elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure, suggesting a possible early stage of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Supporting Evidence
- 181 out of 222 subjects had cerebrospinal fluid pressure data evaluated.
- 7 subjects (3.9%) had elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure above 200 mmH2O.
- The mean cerebrospinal fluid pressure for the elevated group was 249 ± 20 mmH2O.
Takeaway
Some people with Alzheimer's disease have higher pressure in their brain fluid, which might mean they are at risk for another condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Methodology
222 Alzheimer's disease subjects were screened and underwent cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurements during surgery.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from random events affecting cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the true incidence of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure due to strict exclusion criteria.
Participant Demographics
Subjects were in the mild to moderate phase of Alzheimer's disease, with a mean age of 74 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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