Pick's Disease
What is Pick's disease?
Pick's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease whereby brain cells slowly shrink due to an excessive build up of protein. The condition was identified by Arnold Pick in the late 19th century and it is most commonly confused with Alzheimer's disease. Pick's disease causes the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain to deteriorate and affects a person's speech and personality.
Pick's disease is classified as a fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) but it accounts for only five per cent of all progressive dementias.
What causes Pick's disease?
Like other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington's disease, Pick's disease is a result of a build-up of protein. This mass of abnormal brain cells, known as Pick's bodies, leads to character changes, socially inappropriate behaviour and poor decision making affecting intellect, memory and speech.
Adults between the age of 40 and 60 are most at risk and the condition is slightly more prevalent in women. The cause is still unknown. Genetic causation is suspected, in any case there appears to be a strong familial link.
What are the symptoms?
The frontal lobes in the brain affect behaviour and emotional responses and as such, those with Pick's disease will usually show changes in personality before signs of dementia. The progression of Pick's is slow but symptoms will worsen over time.
Typical physical symptoms may include:
- Reduced quality of speech
- Uncoordinated speech
- Muscle rigidity
- Lack of coordination
- Urinary incontinence
- Memory lapses
Typical psychological changes may include:
- Impulsiveness
- Obsessive and compulsive
- Aggressive behaviour, particularly in social situations
- Sexual exhibitionism
- Mood swings
- Lack of empathy
- Lacking in focus or concentration
- Lack of enthusiasm for daily activities
- Self medicating with alcohol to excess
How Priory can help
The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition and the stage of the disease. Priory provides services for those who require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.
During the latter stages of the disease where the emphasis moves towards more physical care, in patient care is available. In some cases the individual may remain with the Priory until the end of their life and the Priory aim to maximise the quality of life for the time they have left. Rest assured that Priory staff are skilled at managing palliative care, supporting both the patient and family during this difficult time.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com
For more support
If you feel you or a friend or relative may need support and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations.
Pick's Disease Support Group
www.pdsg.org.uk
020 7603 0550 (London support group)
Check the website for regional contacts
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090
Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774 679) or email info@priorygroup.com.
We receive referrals from GPs and professionals within the Physical Disability and Mental Health Trusts - trust managers, care co-ordinators and social workers.