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 effects individuals, there is a common core of symp­toms amongst 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, hence the name Fronto­temporal Dementia (often abbreviated FTD). Some nerve cells have characteristic abnormalities, or even die off, when viewed under the 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 down. However some symptoms of the disease may be treated effectively. Various clinics such as the Mayo Clinic in the USA, have tailored training pro­grams to suit the individual patient, depending on the patients symptoms.

What is the prognosis?
The course of Pick's disease is an inevitable pro­gressive deterioration. The length of this progres­sion varies, ranging from less than two years in some, and more than ten years in others. Death is commonly 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.

> Alzheimer's Disease
> Pick's Disease
> Diabetes
> Parkinson's Disease
> Crohn's Disease
> PSP
> Meningitis