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Is early-onset clinically different from late-onset frontotemporal dementia?
B Borroni1, C Agosti, G Bellelli
1Department of Neurology, University of Brescia, Center for Aging Brain and Dementia, Brescia, Italy. bborroni@inwind.it
European Journal of Neurology
|December 4, 2008
Summary
Age at disease onset does not explain the varied symptoms in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This study found cognitive and behavioral differences were similar across age groups in bvFTD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, second only to Alzheimer's disease in younger individuals.
- Recent diagnostic advancements indicate FTD may be more prevalent than previously thought, presenting with diverse clinical features.
- Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) is a subtype characterized by prominent behavioral changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the age of disease onset influences the heterogeneity of cognitive deficits and behavioral disturbances in patients with bvFTD.
- To determine if different age-related patterns exist within the clinical presentation of bvFTD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 134 patients diagnosed with bvFTD was analyzed.
- Detailed recording of age at onset and demographic data was performed.
- Comprehensive neuropsychological, behavioral assessments, and brain SPECT perfusion imaging were conducted.
Main Results:
- Patients were divided into four groups based on age at onset.
- No significant differences were observed among the groups regarding demographics or family history of dementia.
- Global cognitive impairment, specific cognitive domains, and behavioral patterns were comparable across all age-at-onset groups.
Conclusions:
- The age at disease onset does not account for the clinical heterogeneity observed in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the factors contributing to the diverse presentations of bvFTD.
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