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Personality | Intact until late, unless frontal type | Apathetic, withdrawn |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 |