Pick's disease. Brain of a patient who died from Pick's disease, or focal lobar atrophy. Pick's disease is a degenerative condition that causes shrinking (atrophy) of the temporal and frontal lobes (far right) at the front of the brain. This results in a progressive deterioration of brain function. Pick's disease is rare, first affecting victims when they are between the ages of 45 and 65. Occasional early-onset cases also occur.