General description

Argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized pathologically by the accumulation of argyrophilic (silver-staining) granular structures within the brain, resulting in asymmetrical atrophy of the brain, especially in the medial anterior temporal lobe.

Initially, the condition was termed "argyrophilic grain dementia". However, as these grains were also found in individuals without dementia, the term AGD has become more widely adopted.

There are limited studies on the frequency of AGD and its association with dementia. The estimated prevalence of AGD in the elderly population ranges from approximately 5-9%, suggesting it is not an uncommon condition. AGD is known to frequently coexist with other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy body (DLB). Notably, AGD coexists with Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) at high rates of 19% and 41%, respectively.

Radiographic features

A characteristic neuroimaging finding in argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) is asymmetric atrophy involving the medial temporal lobes on MRI.