Mnestic block syndrome

The case of a patient with largely preserved intelligence, but severe and p ersistent memory impairments is reported. FA, a 46-year-old patient with th e diagnosis of prolonged depression was investigated repeatedly over a two year period with neuroradiological, neuropsychological, neuromonitoring and other methods. While no brain damage was detectable in FA, he manifested c ontinued and severe anterograde and retrograde memory disorders together wi th an inhibition in his thinking processes. Otherwise, his intellectual cap abilities were in the normal range, that is he was not pseudo-demented. Var ious approaches with drug treatment and psychotherapy failed to improve his condition. The condition is interpreted as 'mnestic block syndrome' and is considered to be related to an altered brain metabolism which may include changes in various transmitter and hormonal systems (GABA-agonists, glucoco rticoids, acetylcholine). Whether depression contributes to this syndrome i s uncertain from FA's cognitive performance, but may be a possibility.