Pick's Disease is the result of a build-up of protein in the affected areas of the brain. Pick's disease is rare. It is more common in women than men. Pick disease occurs in a younger age group than dementia of the Alzheimer type. People with Pick's disease tend to behave inappropriately in different social settings. The accumulation of abnormal brain cells, known as Pick's bodies, eventually leads to changes in character, socially inappropriate behavior, and poor decision making, progressing to a severe impairment in intellect, memory and speech. The changes in behavior continue to get worse and are often one of the most disturbing symptoms of the disease. Behavior modification may help some people control unacceptable or dangerous behaviors. In some cases, cognitive function may be improved by stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion or that are not essential to the care of the person. This may include medications such as anticholinergics, analgesics , cimetidine, central nervous system depressants, and lidocaine. Medication to control behaviors that can be dangerous to oneself or others. Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may offer some relief from apathy and depression. Some patients may need hearing-aids, glasses, cataract surgery , or other treatments.

Causes of Pick Disease

Common Causes and Risk factors of Pick Disease

Longstanding high blood pressure.

Head trauma

High levels of homocysteine.

Female gender because women usually live longer than men.

Schizophrenialike thought disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Pick Disease

Common Sign and Symptoms of Pick Disease

Lack of muscle coordination.

Brain degeneration.

learning problems.

Loss of muscle tone.

Increased sensitivity to touch.

Spasticity.

Feeding.

Swallowing difficulties.

Enlarged liver and spleen.

Treatment of Pick Disease

Common Treatment of Pick Disease

Behavior modification may help some people control unacceptable or dangerous behaviors.

Many different types of medications have been or are being tried in dementia. One group of drugs used in Alzheimer disease, the cholinesterase inhibitors.

Medication to control behaviors that can be dangerous to oneself or others. Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may offer some relief from apathy and depression.

Some patients may need hearing-aids, glasses, cataract surgery , or other treatments.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are being tried on the premise that inflammation is one cause of the brain damage in Pick disease.

Hormone replacement therapy has been given to some women who have been through menopause and have dementia.

Education and other forms of intellectual challenge may help protect people against the disease.

High sugar content foods may need to be restricted in some patients with carbohydrate craving, which may indicate Klüver-Bucy syndrome.


Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and skin disorders.