Articles » NINDS Pick's Disease Information Page: NINDS

NINDS Pick's Disease Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Pick's Disease Information Page: NINDS

Main condition: Pick's Disease

Conditions: Pick's Disease

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What is Pick's Disease?
Pick's disease is a form of dementia characterized by a slowly progressive deterioration of social skills and changes in personality, along with impairment of intellect, memory, and language. Although the disease varies greatly in the way it affects individuals, there is a common core of symptoms among patients which may be present at different stages of the disease. These symptoms include loss of memory, lack of spontaneity, difficulty in thinking or concentrating, and disturbances of speech. Other symptoms include gradual emotional dullness, loss of moral judgment, and progressive dementia. Although the disease usually affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, the age of onset may range from 20 to 80. Patients typically have atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Some nerve cells have characteristic abnormalities when viewed under a microscope. The cause of the disease is unknown.

Is there any treatment?
There is no cure or specific treatment for Pick's disease. Its progression cannot be slowed. However, some of the symptoms of the disease may be treated effectively.

What is the prognosis?
The course of Pick's disease is an inevitable progressive deterioration. The length of progression varies, ranging from less than 2 years in some to more than 10 years in others. Death is usually caused by infection.

What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research to learn more about the cause, prevention, and treatment of dementing disorders such as Pick's disease. NINDS investigators are currently conducting a pathogenetic study of Pick's disease patients. The study includes cerebral imaging with positron emission tomography, and experimental therapeutic interventions. The National Institute on Aging also conducts research relevant to Pick's disease.

 Organizations

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 5C27
Bethesda, MD 20892-2292
http://www.nih.gov/nia
Tel: 301-496-1752 800-222-2225 TTY: 800-222-4225

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



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