Subcortical dementia

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Subcortical Dementia

Subcortical dementia (pronunciation: sub-kor-ti-kal dem-en-sha) is a type of dementia that primarily affects the parts of the brain beneath the cortex.

Etymology

The term "subcortical" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning under and "cortex" meaning bark or shell, referring to the parts of the brain beneath the outer layer. "Dementia" is derived from the Latin "demens" meaning "out of one's mind".

Definition

Subcortical dementia is characterized by slow thinking and concentration difficulties, rather than memory loss which is more common in cortical dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. It is often associated with diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of subcortical dementia can include:

  • Slowed thinking
  • Difficulty starting or stopping activities
  • Problems with attention and concentration
  • Mood changes
  • Difficulty with tasks that require planning or organizing

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of subcortical dementia is based on clinical examination, patient history, and cognitive testing. Neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scan may also be used to identify changes in the brain associated with subcortical dementia.

Treatment

Treatment for subcortical dementia focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include medications to manage mood and cognitive symptoms, physical therapy to manage motor symptoms, and occupational therapy to help with daily activities.

Related Terms

External links

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