Diogenes Syndrome in Frontotemporal Dementia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Behavioral Neurology

Background:

• Diogenes syndrome involves extreme self-neglect, hoarding, and squalor, often seen in dementia.
• Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) may frequently present with Diogenes syndrome.
• Investigating bvFTD patients can elucidate the nature of Diogenes syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe patients with bvFTD exhibiting self-neglect and hoarding.
• To explore the relationship between frontal lobe disturbances and Diogenes syndrome.
• To identify potential mechanisms and treatment avenues for Diogenes syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Case series of 5 patients with bvFTD showing self-care decline and hoarding.
• Literature review on Diogenes syndrome and frontotemporal dementia.
• Neuroanatomical and neurobehavioral analysis of frontal lobe functions.

Main Results:

• Patients with bvFTD displayed significant self-neglect and hoarding behaviors.
• Frontal lobe dysfunction, including loss of insight and compulsive drives, is implicated.
• A right frontolimbic-striatal system involvement is suggested in environmental dependency.

Conclusions:

• bvFTD provides a model for understanding Diogenes syndrome.
• Frontal lobe disturbances are key to the pathophysiology of Diogenes syndrome.
• Further research may lead to targeted therapeutic strategies for Diogenes syndrome.