Conversion pseudodementia in the elderly: A review of the literature with case presentation

Few data exist in the literature regarding conversion pseudodementia. The knowledge results from case reports and case series that describe a syndrome characterized by cognitive impairment, regression and physical dependency. In elderly patients, this condition can cause serious diagnostic problems and, occasionally, discrimination from dementia is awkward. The reported case assembles all the characteristic traits of conversion pseudodementia. The development of the symptomatology, the diagnostic approach and the difficulties of management and treatment of conversion pseudodementia are discussed. The authors also provide a review of the international literature; certain conclusions and proposals are presented.