Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
A case of early-onset rapidly progressive dementia
David Cachia1, Thomas Smith2, David Paydarfar3
1Department of Neuro-Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Abstract:
A 62-year-old man presented with rapidly progressive cognitive decline associated with ataxia, spasticity, and eventually seizures. Multiple bihemispheric foci of calcification in the brain were seen on computed tomography scan, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing relatively symmetrical areas of enhancement in the brain corresponding mostly to the areas of calcification. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and 2 brain biopsy specimens showed no evidence of an infectious, inflammatory, or malignant process. Despite being treated empirically with high-dose corticosteroids, the patient continued to deteriorate, with the family deciding for hospice care. The final autopsy diagnosis and the approach to the clinical data are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Dementia l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
Huntington Disease l: Introduction

