Dionisio Nieto (1908-1985), neuropsychiatrist and neuropathologist: a leading figure in Mexico, but unknown in Spain

S. Giménez-Roldán
Neurosciences and History 2024;12(1):46-60

Type of article: ORIGINAL

AUTHOR

S. Giménez-Roldán
Former head of the Department of Neurology. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.

ABSTRACT

Dionisio Nieto Gómez (Madrid, 13 March 1908 - Mexico, 2 February 1985) practised simultaneously as a psychiatrist and as a neuropathologist, a rare combination in the 20th century. Convinced of the proposition that “mental illnesses are illnesses of the brain,” he was trained in psychiatry with Sanchís Banús at Hospital Provincial de Madrid and in histopathology with Del Río-Hortega at the Residencia de Estudiantes. After two long years of further training in Germany, the Spanish Civil War forced him into exile in Mexico, a country where he found the support, appreciation, and resources he was later denied in his home country. As occurs with great personalities, his figure was an inspiration, and he began to be surrounded by committed students of high scientific standards. A resourceful man, he designed a cerebrospinal fluid study for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. He was especially proud of having identified the histopathology of schizophrenia in patients who had never been exposed to antipsychotics, which remains a debatable subject. After the restoration of democracy, he frequently visited Spain, where he enjoyed renown and admiration. In a long afternoon shared with the author of this article, Nieto recounted little-known memories and anecdotes of his long and prolific career.

KEYWORDS

Dionisio Nieto Gómez, psychiatry, neuropathology, purge, exile, Spain, Mexico, Cajal school, La Castañeda Insane Asylum

Neurosciences and History 2024;12(1):46-60