An uncommon variant of Alzheimer’s disease: Posterior cortical atrophy

Abstract

Introduction: This case report highlights one of the less common variants of major neurocognitive disorder because of Alzheimer’s disease, posterior cortical atrophy. There is a paucity of data about this condition in sub-Saharan Africa.

Patient presentation: A 54-year-old female presented to the geriatric clinic following a 2-year history of poor memory and inability to fulfil her work obligations. The most prominent symptom was visual disturbance, with a normal ophthalmic examination.

Management and outcome: Workup done to reveal reversible causes of dementia did not yield any positive results. After a full history, physical and cognitive examination and radiological investigations, a diagnosis of posterior cortical atrophy variant of major neurocognitive disorder because of Alzheimer’s disease as the most likely aetiology was established.

Conclusion: Posterior cortical atrophy is a rare variant of Alzheimer’s disease, and no case reports from South Africa are available in the literature.

Contribution: This case reminds us that unusual presentations of cognitive impairment require a broad differential diagnosis.