Neuropsychiatric features of frontotemporal dementia: evaluation of consensus criteria and review

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2002 Fall;14(4):424-9. doi: 10.1176/jnp.14.4.424.

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric features characterize frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The authors evaluated the neuropsychiatric features of 53 FTD patients and retrospectively applied the Consensus Criteria for this disorder. Only one-third of the patients met Consensus Criteria for FTD on presentation. Most had early disengagement with poor insight; however, more than half retained socially appropriate interpersonal conduct and emotional expression. Supportive features, including compulsive-like acts and speech changes, were common presenting features, and 20% developed the Klüver-Bucy syndrome on 2-year follow-up. Consensus Criteria for FTD offer guidelines for diagnosis, but further refinement is needed, particularly for patients who lack early changes in social interpersonal conduct.

MeSH terms

  • Compulsive Behavior / diagnosis
  • Compulsive Behavior / etiology
  • Consensus
  • Dementia / complications*
  • Dementia / pathology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Frontal Lobe / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Kluver-Bucy Syndrome / etiology
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology*