[Reversible dementia caused by giant cell arteritis].

Rapidly developing mental confusion and concomitant physical deterioration are reported as presenting symptoms in a case of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Systemic glucocorticoid therapy was followed by partial remission of neuropsychiatric symptoms and complete physical recovery. GCA should be considered as a cause of treatable dementia in the elderly. Temporal artery biopsy is recommended in dement elderly persons with elevated ESR of unknown cause.