in higher concentration in Brodmann area 9 (BA9)mostly isolated or in clusters of 2, while in Brodmann area 24 (BA24) they have been found mostly in clusters of 2–4. Clinical significance Abnormal von Economo neuron development may be linked to several psychotic disorders, typically those characterized by distortions of reality, disturbances of thought, disturbances of language, and withdrawal from social contact. Altered von Economo neuron states have been implicated in both schizophrenia and autism, but research into these correlations remains at a very early stage. Frontotemporal dementia involves loss of mostly von Economo neurons. An initial study suggested that Alzheimer's disease specifically targeted von Economo neurons; this study was performed with end-stage Alzheimer brains in which cell destruction was widespread, but later it was found that Alzheimer's disease doesn't affect the von Economo neurons. References General References External links TaipeiTimes.comKnow Thyself and Others "Well-wired whales" Michael Balter (2006) ScienceNOW Daily News. 27 November "Brain Cells for Socializing" Smithsonian, June 2009 Central nervous system neurons