PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Mhairi Kathryn Nisbet
AU  - Louise Marshall
TI  - Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) and dementia in a 75-year-old female
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2019-230521
DP  - 2019 Sep 01
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - e230521
VI  - 12
IP  - 9
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/9/e230521.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/9/e230521.full
SO  - BMJ Case Reports2019 Sep 01; 12
AB  - Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a relatively rare, adult-onset disorder characterised by proximal limb weakness, progressive eyelid drooping and swallowing difficulties. Preliminary research suggests there could be a link between OPMD and dementia; however, the current literature is relatively limited and inconsistent. This case study describes a 75-year-old female with OPMD, presenting to an older adults community mental health team with memory problems and word finding difficulties. A neuropsychological assessment was carried out. The results of her assessment were difficult to interpret; she demonstrated impairments in most cognitive domains tested and her presentation did not appear to reflect any typical dementia profile. It was thought she was most likely presenting with a dementia; however, the exact aetiology remains unclear. The dementia could be a result of OPMD, vascular changes or both. This report emphasises the need for further research into the possible causal link between OPMD and dementia/cognitive decline.