Uncommon causes of dementia: an historical account.
The search for the possible causes of common and uncommon forms of dementia has a long and interesting history. This paper presents a brief review of how the concept of dementia has evolved over time and an historical outline of the causative factors associated with these disorders. Currently available evidence leads to the conclusion that there is only one common cause of dementia: Alzheimer's disease with or without other overlapping pathological processes (such as cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, etc.). All other forms of dementia are, in isolation, uncommon.
Förstl
Hans
H
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Germany. Hans.Foerstl@lrz.tu-muenchen.de
D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000266:history*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000473:pathology; D016874:Neurofibrillary Tangles / Q000473:pathology; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology