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Behavioral quantitation is more sensitive than cognitive testing in frontotemporal dementia.
Andrew Kertesz1, Wilda Davidson, Patricia McCabe
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, St. Joseph's Health Care London, Saint Joseph's Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada. andrew.kertesz@sjhc.london.on.ca
Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders
|December 6, 2003
Summary
The Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) effectively distinguishes frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
- Psychology
Background:
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) presents diagnostic challenges.
- Differentiating FTD from Alzheimer disease (AD) is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of behavioral and cognitive testing in FTD.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) in distinguishing FTD from AD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 52 FTD patients was compared with 52 AD patients.
- Both groups underwent behavioral assessment using the FBI and various cognitive tests.
- Autopsy confirmation was available for 14 FTD patients.
Main Results:
- The FBI demonstrated a higher discrimination rate (98%) between FTD and AD compared to cognitive tests (78%).
- Cognitive tests showed lower memory scores in AD and worse conceptualization/language in FTD.
- The FBI was particularly effective in differentiating earlier-stage FTD patients.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive tests often fail to distinguish between FTD and AD.
- The FBI serves as a valuable adjunct for diagnosing FTD.
- Findings were supported by postmortem validation in a subset of patients.