Guest Author - Deborah Pipas



Unfortunately, not much is known about this rare degenerative illness affecting the brain. Dementia and many other symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease are often noted in those affected by disease. Due to the many symptoms that parallel Alzheimer’s disease physicians often find it to be quite difficult to distinguish between these two diseases.

There are several differences. Both diseases generate different abnormalities in the brain cells. Rounded microscopic structures are found within affected cells called Pick bodies in Pick’s disease. The neurons swell and become ballooned shaped, this does not happen in Alzheimer’s disease which causes plaque buildup not found in Pick’s disease. Pick’s disease affects the front parts of the brain while Alzheimer’s covers a wider area. Each disease produces different changes within the brain.

In Pick’s disease usually the first symptoms are a decline in function and personality changes. The patient may become indifferent to previous interest or totally disregard the feelings of others. They may exhibit poor judgment and inappropriate behavior. Often the patient seems confused and does very little unless directed to do so. In other words they do not function well independently. In advanced stages the inability to use language becomes evident as the patient labors with words and speech. However, some patients may become extremely restless, easily distracted or behave as a small child. In the latter part of the illness the patient may completely quit speaking and eventually take on a vegetative state and become terminal. The disease generally shows itself in the patients forties. It does not become better, the average lifespan of an individual with this disease is usually about five years but it has been know to last as long as fifteen prior to the patient becoming terminally ill.

This disease is quite difficult to diagnose in a living patient. Which is one of the reasons it is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. There are test that can be done that can be revealing yet inconclusive however, a good evaluation can help determine the best treatment.

Unfortunately, at this time there is no known cure. About the best that can be done for a person diagnosed with Pick’s disease is to do everything possible to see that they are provided the best quality of life, medicated to manage some of the symptoms and make sure there is adequate support for the family and or caregiver.

At this time the best means of support can be found with the Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer’s support groups.