A comparison of cortical and subcortical dementia according to neuropsychological profile
| Characteristic | Cortical | Subcortical |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of cognitive processing | Normal | Slowed |
| Planning, problem solving, initiative (frontal “executive” abilities) | Preserved in early stages | Impaired from onset |
| Personality | Intact until late, unless frontal type | Apathetic, withdrawn |
| Memory | Severely amnesic | Forgetful |
| Language | Aphasia | Normal except for dysarthria and reduced output |
| Visuospatial and perceptual difficulties | Impaired | Impaired |
| Mood | Depression not uncommon in early Alzheimer’s disease | Depression common |
| Agnosia/prosopagnosia | Often present | Not usually seen |