Dementia due to pellagra

Definition

Dementia due to pellagra is caused by persistent lack of vitamin B3 (niacin) or tryptophan either in the diet or due to poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract due to disease (e.g., Crohn disease) or due to the effects of some medications (e.g., isoniazid). Core signs of pellagra include dermatological changes (sensitivity to sunlight, lesions, alopecia, and oedema) and diarrhoea. With prolonged nutritional deficiency cognitive symptoms that include aggressivity, motor disturbances (ataxia and restlessness), confusion, and weakness are observed. Treatment with nutritional supplementation (e.g., niacin) typically results in reversal of symptoms.

Also indexed as

Nearby in Dementia due to diseases classified elsewhere

• 6D85.0Dementia due to Parkinson disease
• 6D85.1Dementia due to Huntington disease
• 6D85.2Dementia due to exposure to heavy metals or other toxins
• 6D85.3Dementia due to human immunodeficiency virus
• 6D85.4Dementia due to multiple sclerosis
• 6D85.5Dementia due to prion disease
• 6D85.6Dementia due to normal pressure hydrocephalus
• 6D85.7Dementia due to injury to the head