[Argyrophilic grain disease: synergistic component of dementia?]

Abstract

Introduction: Argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) is one cause of neurodegenerative dementia with a variable clinical spectrum. A neuropathology study is required for diagnosis.

Case report: We report the case of a 68-year-old patient presenting with cognitive decline associating with frontal dysfunction and parkinsonism. Death occurred two years after onset. The neuropathology study revealed a status criblosus in the basal ganglia, neurofibrillary tangles and AGD.

Discussion: We suggest that AGD could explain the atypical course of this dementia considering the fast cognitive decline, the clinical expression and the topography of the lesions.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the possible synergistic deleterious effect of this pathology on other causes of dementia.