# Progressive Motor and Cognitive Dysfunction in Fahr's Disease: A Clinical Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a 55-year-old woman with Fahr's disease, a rare brain disorder, showing how it causes worsening motor and cognitive symptoms.

## Contribution

The report adds to the limited clinical understanding of Fahr's disease by documenting a case with progressive symptoms and treatment challenges.

## Key findings

- The patient showed progressive motor dysfunction and cognitive decline consistent with Fahr's disease.
- Neuroimaging confirmed bilateral basal ganglia calcifications, supporting the diagnosis.
- Symptomatic treatment provided partial motor improvement but failed to halt cognitive decline.

## Abstract

Fahr's disease, or idiopathic basal ganglia calcification, is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the basal ganglia, leading to a spectrum of neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. This case report presents a 55-year-old female with a one-year history of progressive motor dysfunction, including tremors, dysarthria, and ataxia, along with cognitive decline and personality changes. Imaging studies revealed bilateral basal ganglia calcifications on both CT and MRI, confirming the diagnosis of Fahr's disease. The patient was started on symptomatic treatment with levodopa-carbidopa for motor symptoms and antidepressants for psychiatric disturbances. Despite some improvement in motor function, her cognitive decline continued to progress. The case emphasizes the importance of neuroimaging in diagnosing Fahr's disease and highlights the challenges of managing this rare disorder, particularly in its sporadic form. Treatment remains symptomatic, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential to address the diverse needs of patients. This case contributes to the understanding of Fahr's disease and underscores the need for further research into its pathophysiology and management.