Letter to the Editor

Rapid Decline in Cognition After Tick Bites

Authors: Roy R. Reeves, DO, PHD, Randy S. Burke, PHD

Abstract

Infectious or toxic agents may cause cognitive decline or contribute to its development. We describe a case of dementia rapidly accelerated by tick bites.


An 81-year-old male with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and dementia was hospitalized in May of 2003 because of a marked decline in cognition and increasing behavioral problems. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease in 1996 and treated with donepezil as the disease progressed. In February 2002, he was started on 25 mg quetiapine twice daily for episodes of agitation. His wife was able to care for him at home. During his January 2003 clinic visit, he was calm and cooperative and scored 12 of 30 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Pachner AR, Duray P, Steere AC. Central nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease. Arch Neurol 1989;46:790–795.
 
2. Schlossburg D. Arthropods and leeches. In: Goldman L, Bennett JC (eds). Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2000, pp. 1995–2000.