Anosognosia in Very Mild Alzheimer’s Disease but Not in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

While most MCI patients tend to overestimate cognitive deficits when compared to their caregiver's assessment, AD patients in early stages of disease underestimate cognitive dysfunctions. Anosognosia can thus be regarded as a characteristic symptom at a stage of very mild AD (MMSE > or =24) but not MCI. Accordingly, medical history even in mildly affected patients should always include information from both patient and caregiver.