Heller's Disease
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Heller's disease is characterized by severe dementia that develops acutely or gradually at age 3 or 4 after a period of more or less normal psychological development. The disease typically begins with dysarthria and eventually leads to complete loss of speech and comprehension, accompanied by motor restlessness, fear, and hallucinations.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Heller's Disease, (Heller), dementia infantilis, is characterized by severe dementia that develops acutely or gradually at the 3rd or 4th year of life after a period of more or less normal psychological development. The disease usually begins with dysarthria, and eventually children completely stop speaking and understanding speech; in addition, motor restlessness, fear, and hallucinations are noted. The preserved intelligent facial expression, more or less lively affects, and some degree of voluntary attention in such patients distinguish Heller's disease from idiocy. No pathological-anatomical studies have yet been conducted. The pedagogical prognosis, due to the impossibility of teaching children any work, is very unfavorable.
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Cite this page
“Heller's Disease.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hellers-disease/