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Pick’s disease
Alternative Names: Primary progressive aphasia, Aphasia -- primary progressive; Semantic dementia, Dementia - semantic; Frontotemporal dementia; Arnold Pick's disease Symptoms: Behavior changes Inappropriate behavior Compulsive behaviors (for example, overeating or only eating one type of food) Repetitive behavior Withdrawal from social interaction Inability to function or interact in social or personal situations Can't keep a job Problems with personal hygiene Text Continues Below Emotional changes Abrupt mood changes Does not show emotional warmth, concern, empathy, sympathy Indifference to events or environment (apathy) Does not recognize behavioral changes Inappropriate mood Decreased interest in daily living activities Language changes Echolalia (person repeats anything spoken to them) Aphasia (decreased language ability, difficulty speaking or understanding speech) Difficulty finding a word Shrinking vocabulary Weak, uncoordinated speech sounds Can't speak (mutism) Decreased ability to read or write Neurological problems Weakness Increased muscle tone (rigidity) Movement/coordination difficulties (apraxia) Memory loss that gets worse Other problems Urinary incontinence Signs and tests: The doctor will ask you about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be ordered to help rule out other causes of dementia, including dementia due to metabolic causes. A neurological examination can help reveal what part of the brain is affected. Psychological studies and tests of sensation, cognitive function, and motor function may be abnormal. Neuropsychological assessment shows a pattern of mental decline that suggests selective loss of cognitive function that can be localized to the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. An EEG (electroencephalogram) shows nonspecific changes in electrical activity of the brain. A head CT scan shows loss of tissue mass of affected lobes of the brain. A brain MRI can detect mild degrees of frontal and temporal atrophy missed by the head CT scan. Cerebrospinal fluid examination after a lumbar puncture is usually normal. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>