Subcortical Dementias

Question 1

Corticobasal degeneration

Answer 1

Characterized by cell loss and atrophy in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia; initial symptoms are motor and become progressively worse over time before cognitive difficulties and dysphagia become evident.

Question 2

PD Dementia

Answer 2

Occurs in 50% of Parkinson’s patients; can co-occur with AD, can result in executive function and language deficits, bradyphrenia, deficits in fluency, and hypokinetic speech

Question 3

PD response to drugs

Answer 3

Early stage–some improvement
Later stages–improves speed, but little else
Cognitive problems may be caused by medicines for motor issues

Question 4

Huntington’s Dementia

Answer 4

Associated with cortical and BG degeneration; progressive decline in cognition, language, behavior, and memory

Question 5

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Answer 5

Dementia appears in the middle or late stages of this disease–most symptoms are movement-related or visual

Question 6

Dementia can also be associated with

Answer 6

Strokes; alcoholism; HIV; hydrocephaly