Pick's Disease

Pick's Disease is a type of frontal lobe/temporal dementia. The onset is typically in the mid to late 50’s, and life expectancy is approximately 2-15 years with an average of 6-12 years. The cause of Picks Disease is unknown, however there may be a genetic component as 50 per cent of Pick’s patients can be found to have a first-degree relative with the disease.

Kluver Bucy Syndrome is a group of problems relatively common in Picks Disease. The symptoms include hyper sexuality, gluttony, and an obsession to touch and seize any objects in the field of vision.

The difference between Pick’s Disease and Alzheimer's Disease is that the damage occurs in different areas of the brain in the early stages. In Picks Disease impairment of intellect and memory occur later than in Alzheimer Disease. In the late stages of Picks Disease Parkinsonian symptoms, immobility, incontinence, and mutism can occur. In the terminal stage the different dementias are clinically undistinguishable.