Reversible dementia due to valproic acid therapy

A progressive dementia syndrome (DSM IV) with frontal-subcortical features developed in a 72-year-old woman during valproate therapy (Depakine). Discontinuation of valproate resulted in complete recovery. Drugs are a common cause of reversible dementia. The association of dementia with valproate therapy is rare. Features of a subcortical dementia are indicative of a reversible cause. In addition, the possible role of drugs should always be considered in patients with cognitive decline.