Neuropsychiatric Features of Frontotemporal Dementia

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.