What is pix disease

Tau-immunoreactive glial inclusions are a recently recognized finding in Pick's disease, and neuritic changes have also recently been described.

Variable involvement of the deep gray matter and the brainstem is typical, with a predilection for the monoaminergic nuclei and nuclei of the pontine base. Neurochemical studies demonstrate deficits in intrinsic cortical neurotransmitter systems e.

Biochemical and immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated that abnormal tau proteins are the major structural components of Pick bodies.

A specific tau protein immunoblotting pattern different from that seen in Alzheimer's disease and certain other disorders has been suggested in some studies. Talk therapy psychotherapy does not always work. This is because it can cause further confusion or disorientation.

Reality orientation, which reinforces environmental and other cues, may help reduce disorientation. Depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease, monitoring and help with personal hygiene and self-care may be needed.

Eventually, there may be a need for hour care and monitoring at home or in a special facility. Family counseling can help the person cope with the changes needed for home care. People with FTD and their family may need to seek legal advice early in the course of the disorder. Advance care directive, power of attorney, and other legal actions can make it easier to make decisions regarding the care of the person with FTD. You can ease the stress of FTD by joining a support group.

Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. More information and support for people with FTD and their families can be found at:. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration -- www. The disorder quickly and steadily becomes worse. The person becomes totally disabled early in the course of the disease.

FTD commonly causes death within 8 to 10 years, usually from infection, or sometimes because body systems fail. Frontotemporal dementia. PMID: pubmed. Peterson R, Graff-Radford J. Alzheimer disease and other dementias. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit.

Learn more about A. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Some subtypes of frontotemporal dementia lead to language problems or impairment or loss of speech. Primary progressive aphasia, semantic dementia and progressive agrammatic nonfluent aphasia are all considered to be frontotemporal dementia.

Rarer subtypes of frontotemporal dementia are characterized by problems with movement, similar to those associated with Parkinson's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS. In frontotemporal dementia, the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain shrink. In addition, certain substances accumulate in the brain. What causes these changes is usually unknown. There are genetic mutations that have been linked to frontotemporal dementia.

But more than half of the people who develop frontotemporal dementia have no family history of dementia. Recently, researchers have confirmed shared genetics and molecular pathways between frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS. More research needs to be done to understand the connection between these conditions, however.

Your risk of developing frontotemporal dementia is higher if you have a family history of dementia. There are no other known risk factors. Frontotemporal dementia care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of uncommon brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Frontotemporal dementia adult. Mayo Clinic.