Basal ganglia calcification as a putative cause for cognitive decline

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuropsychology
• Radiology

Background:

• Basal ganglia calcifications (BGC) are observed in diverse conditions, including infections, metabolic, psychiatric, and neurological diseases.
• BGC is associated with varied clinical outcomes such as parkinsonism, psychosis, mood swings, and dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on neuropsychological findings in patients with BGC.
• To highlight clinical reports focusing on cognitive decline associated with BGC.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Neuroimaging studies and neuropsychological analyses were examined.

Main Results:

• Patients with BGC exhibit progressive disturbances in selective attention, declarative memory, and verbal perseveration.
• Neuropsychological deficits correlate with the presence and extent of basal ganglia calcifications.

Conclusions:

• The calcification process in the basal ganglia may be a potential cause of dementia syndromes.
• A link exists between cerebral calcinosis, aging, and neuronal death, influencing dementia symptomatology.