Rapidly Progressive Dementia as the First Symptom of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report
Marlena Zajączkowska, Maria Filip, Elżbieta Skowrońska-Jóźwiak, Monika Talarowska
Med Sci Tech 2015; 56:60-65
DOI: 10.12659/MST.895049
Available online: 2015-07-21
Published: 2015-07-21
BACKGROUND:
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PTHP) may manifest as various neuropsychiatric symptoms, ranging from affective disorders, general apathy, anxiety, sleep disorders, personality changes and cognitive impairment, to severe psychotic conditions, coma, and even death.
CASE REPORT:
Our case presents a 65-year-old patient who was admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of rapidly progressing dementia. In further diagnostic and therapeutic process we found that he had primary hyperparathyroidism, and he underwent successful parathyroidectomy. Treatment resulted in improvement of cognitive functions.
CONCLUSIONS:
Hyperparathyroidism should be considered as a possible cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly people.
Keywords: Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic, Cognitive Disorders, Hypercalcemia, Hyperparathyroidism
