Inclusion body myositis in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is increasing. Could findings of similar deposits in brain and muscle tissue explain this increase? The purpose of this report is to illustrate that Alzheimer's disease and inclusion body myositis may share a common aetiology.

Results: We present a case where Alzheimer's disease and inclusion body myositis coexist in the same patient. Amyloid-beta deposition and the presence of phosphorylated tau protein have been noted in brain tissue and in muscle biopsy from patients with these disorders.

Methods: Electrophysiological methods are needed for proper diagnosis of this brain and muscle disorder. Recent data on deposit structures in both conditions may indicate an environmental aetiology for Alzheimer's disease and inclusion body myositis.

Conclusion: By combining electrophysiological methods with muscle biopsy in cases of Alzheimer's disease, the possible aetiological connection between simultaneous affection of both muscle and brain in this condition can be established.