NINDS Pick's Disease Information Page

Pick's Disease

Reviewed 05-29-2001

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Studies with patients

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Pick's Disease?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

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.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

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 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

Related NINDS Publications and Information

Patients with Frontal Lobe Dementia Needed

Lay-language descriptions of new NINDS program announcements, requests for applications, and clinical studies seeking patients.

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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