title: [A patient with vision problems: first manifestation of a neurodegenerative condition].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vision problems are common and the causes are diverse. This case illustrates the fact that vision problems may also be the first manifestation of a neurodegenerative disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 46-year-old male developed progressive, incapacitating vision problems. Multiple pairs of glasses with lenses of different strengths did not improve symptoms. No ophthalmological explanation of the problems could be found. Oculomotor apraxia and visual extinction were seen on neurological examination. Visuoperceptual impairment was the main finding on neuropsychological examination. Impairment was also identified in visuoconstruction, memory and praxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cognitive problems in several areas, interference with activities of daily living, and young age of onset complete the clinical picture of presenile dementia. Posterior cortical atrophy is a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by progressive, incapacitating visuospatial and visuoperceptual impairment. The most prevalent underlying pathology is Alzheimer's disease. At present there is no curative therapy for posterior cortical atrophy.
authors.affiliation: VU Medisch Centrum, Alzheimercentrum, Amsterdam.
authors.forename: Marlijn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Beer
authors.forename: Annebet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leeuwis
authors.forename: Yolande
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Pijnenburg
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D001284:Atrophy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology