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The suggested model is discussed with reference to two clinical populations with memory disorders – patients with misidentification syndromes and those with source memory impairment, both of whom may present with (broadly conceived) déjà vu phenomenon, without insight into false feeling of familiarity. The role of the anterior thalamic nucleus and retrosplenial cortex for autobiographical memory and familiarity is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphantasia is a heterogeneous neuropsychological syndrome consisting of the inability to create mental images. We argue that its progressive form may be a harbinger of dementia. Aphantasia may manifest as the inability to create any mental images or to create complex scenes, inability to spontaneously initiate generation of mental images, and/or inability to visualize a sequence of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals suffering from Huntington's disease (HD) have been shown to present with poor self-awareness of a variety of symptoms. The aim of this study was to better assess the self-awareness of motor symptoms and activities of daily living (ADL) impairment in HD, in comparison to Parkinson's disease (PD) and cervical dystonia (CD). In particular, the anosognosia/anosodiaphoria of involuntary movements has been investigated. Self-awareness was tested in 23 patients with HD by comparing patient and caregiver ratings in reference to clinical control groups (25 PD with dyskinesias, PDdys; 21 PD without dyskinesias, PDndys; and 20 with CD). Patients were assessed neurologically by relevant rating scales. Self-awareness was tested using a scale based on 15 films demonstrating 3 types of motor symptoms (chorea/dyskinesias, parkinsonism, torticollis) as well as the Self-Assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale. General cognitive status, verbal learning, cognitive control, and mood were also analyzed. Our results indicate that self-awareness of choreic movements was affected more severely in HD than in PDdys, despite comparable cognitive status. Patient–proxy agreement on ADL impairment was roughly similar in all clinical groups. The results are discussed in the context of orbitofrontal–limbic pathology as a potential trigger of anosognosia/anosodiaphoria in individuals with HD. (JINS, 2011, 17, 788–795) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the case of a 58-year-old right-handed man with frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) and with hemispatial neglect. The man had a history of apathy and behavioral disturbances and developed left-sided parkinsonism. The author says that the case shows that unilateral neglect symptoms may affect the cognitive tests on executive dysfunction and utilise visuospatial components. He adds that asymmetrical neglect of personal hygiene in FTDP-17 patients should not be considered a psychiatric symptom.

The article describes the case of an adult man with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHS). The patient was admitted with symptoms such as multiple organ symptoms, visual impairment and dementia. He received steroid and imatinib to resolve his conditions. The case confirms that IHS treatment can slow down or stabilize the cognitive decline.