Brain tumor-associated dementia.
In this case study, we describe a patient with a dementia due to a brain tumor. This unusual cause of dementia illustrates the importance of a thorough evaluation of anyone who experiences relatively sudden changes in cognitive functions. The disorder had features common to other dementias but also had some unusual attributes that made a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease less likely. Common features included intellectual decline involving difficulties in word-finding, the occurrence of paraphasia, poor concentration, disorientation in familiar environments, problems performing routine complex tasks, and elements of social withdrawal. Unlike more common degenerative dementias, however, there was no marked memory involvement. In addition, the onset of illness was rapid and associated with headaches, incontinence, and some gait and motor dysfunction.
Noble
James McC
JM
Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. jnoble@neuro.columbia.edu
Canoll
Peter
P
Honig
Lawrence S
LS
D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology