Childhood dementia

Childhood dementia is an umbrella group of rare, mostly untreatable neurodegenerative disorders that show symptoms before the age of 18. These conditions cause progressive deterioration of the brain and the loss of previously acquired skills such as talking, walking and playing. Other symptoms and complications include loss of movement, vision and hearing, seizures, and cardiorespiratory, bone and joint problems. As the conditions progress, so does their impact on life expectancy and quality of life, so most conditions in the group have a poor prognosis and cause a high degree of dependence. Childhood dementia is genetic and progressive, which distinguishes it from other sources of cognitive decline such as traumatic brain injury and nutrient deficiencies.