Pick's Disease

Definition: A subtype of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) characterized by progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. People with Pick's disease exhibit a relatively early onset of poor mental function and personality changes (between the ages of 55-65) such as impulsiveness, apathy and disinhibition. They might also develop difficulties with language. The hallmark of Pick's disease can only be seen on brain tissue sections where a large accumulation of a protein called the Tau protein is seen inside of the affected brain cells.