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A 53-year-old male with history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) presented with localized dissociative amnesia following a second head injury. While memory loss due to TBI is present in the literature, presentations of this type are very rare. Although fully independent in activities of daily living, this patient demonstrated severe deficits in visual memory and processing speed upon neurocognitive evaluation. Effort testing was unremarkable. Increased awareness and study of memory loss following TBI can contribute to enhanced understanding and improved care for patients experiencing these deficits. The authors present this unique case’s profile, clinical history, and discuss their findings.

Objective To link an antemortem cranial injury on the left parietal bone with potential neurocognitive consequences. Materials The skeleton of a male individual from a Szekely archaeological site in Transylvania was examined. The skeleton was radiocarbon dated to Cal AD 1450 and AD 1640 and presented a well-healed antemortem penetrating cranial injury on the left parietal bone. Methods Macroscopic and radiographic analyses were conducted and the cranium was also archived digitally with a Faro FreeStyle3D scanner. In addition, well-known literature from neuroscience was synthesized in order to better understand the likely neurological consequences of the injury. Results The literature suggests that tasks of attention and working memory, sensory processing, language processing, and vision are affected when the parietal lobe of the brain is injured. Conclusions Burial 195 did not likely return to a ‘normal’ life after he survived the cranial injury. Significance This study demonstrates that bioarcheological interpretations involving antemortem cranial injuries can be enhanced by collaboration with neuroscientists. Bioarcheological interpretations are improved when the consequences of soft tissue injuries are understood. Limitations This study was limited by a lack of historical documents relevant to the region, time period, and specific case study. In addition, interpretations are cautionary because brain functioning cannot be assessed in vivo in the absence of life. Suggestions for further research Bioarcheologists who study antemortem cranial injuries should continue to collaborate with neuroscientists.

Familial Danish dementia (FDD) is a rare, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive hearing loss, cataracts, progressive ataxia, and dementia. While multiple pathophysiological studies exist in the literature, clinical case presentations are currently limited. We present a case of young-onset dementia in a 47-year-old patient with Danish heritage who was subsequently diagnosed FDD through genetic testing. Cognitive impairment was his initial symptom, followed by Parkinsonian symptoms, and mood disturbances. The patient experienced rapid decline over only 19 months. Increased awareness and understanding of familial forms of dementia (i.e., FDD) can contribute to an enhanced provision of care for patients with such conditions.