[Cerebral dysfunction occurring after years of latency].

A number of basically very different factors may affect the central nervous system and result in progressive loss of mental or physical functions immediately or after a latent period of decades, possibly due to the initial factor being combined with an additive effect of aging. Intoxication with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces degeneration of the basal ganglia. Various vira e.g. poliovirus and retrovirus may give rise to acute or late effects after several years. The Concentration Camp Syndrome may lead to a dementing illness with a latency of 10-30 years. Signs of progressive degenerative CNS disease should give rise to considerations of possible provoking factors earlier in the patient's life history.