Steroid dementia syndrome describes signs and symptoms of prefrontal and compulsive deficits, such as deficits in memory, attention, and executive function, caused by glucocorticoids. Dementia-like symptoms have been found in some individuals exposed to glucocorticoid-containing medications, most often prescribed for asthma, arthritis, and anti-inflammatory steroids. The condition resolves, but not always, within months after steroid treatment is stopped. The term "steroid dementia" was coined by Varney, in reference to the effects of long-term glucocorticoid use in 1,500 patients. While the condition usually falls under the classification of Cushing's syndrome, the term "steroid dementia syndrome" is particularly useful because it recognizes both the cause of the syndrome and the specific effects of glucocorticoids on cognitive function. Furthermore, more precise terminology clearly distinguishes the full-blown Cushing's syndrome, which is very broad in terms of causes and many symptoms, from hypercorticism, which does not specify the source or symptoms of excess circulating cortisol. Cognitive symptoms of steroids appear within the first few weeks of treatment, appear to be dose-dependent, and may or may not be accompanied by steroid psychosis or other Cushing-type symptoms. These symptoms have been shown to improve within months to a year after glucocorticoid discontinuation, but residual impairments can persist after long-term steroid use. Brain regions with a high density of glucocorticoid receptors including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex are particularly sensitive to elevated levels of glucocorticoids even in the absence of stress. Scientific studies have focused primarily on the effects of glucocorticoids on the hippocampus because of its role in memory processes and on the prefrontal cortex because of its role in attention and executive function. High glucocorticoid activity is associated with downregulation of GRs, which reduce neural activity and impair neurogenesis that can lead to reduced hippocampal volume with prolonged glucocorticoid exposure. Individual differences in sensitivity to glucocorticoid drugs may be due to hypofunction or hyperfunction. Similarly, differences in individual responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenergic system may modify the type and number of side effects. In addition to discontinuation of glucocorticoids, potential treatments discussed in the literature include: Corticotropin-releasing hormone Glucocorticoids have been known to be associated with significant side effects involving behavior and mood, independent of prior psychiatric or cognitive status, since the early 1950s. However, cognitive side effects of steroid drugs involving memory and attention are not widely publicized and may be misdiagnosed as separate conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children or early Alzheimer's disease in elderly patients.