Subcortical dementia

Subcortical dementia is a type of dementia that is caused by problems in the part of the brain beneath the cortex. The term is no longer used frequently, but it helps to describe a group of dementias that have similar symptom patterns and brain changes.

Symptoms

Subcortical dementia is characterized by slow thinking and difficulty starting and stopping actions. This is different from the memory loss that is typical in Alzheimer's disease, which is a cortical dementia. People with subcortical dementia may also have mood changes, such as depression or apathy (lack of interest in things).

Causes

Subcortical dementia can be caused by a number of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and HIV. It can also be caused by progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and some types of stroke.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of subcortical dementia can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other types of dementia. Doctors may use a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to make a diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for subcortical dementia focuses on managing symptoms. This may include medications to help with mood changes and physical symptoms, as well as therapies to help with cognitive function.

See also

• Cortical dementia
• Dementia with Lewy bodies
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Vascular dementia

References

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