Language and psychiatric symptom overlap in FTD: an SLP perspective

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) presents with behavioral and communication changes often misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorders.
• This diagnostic confusion leads to delayed treatment and increased caregiver burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the overlap between psychiatric and language symptoms in FTD.
• To highlight the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in early FTD identification and management.
• To advocate for integrating SLP services into FTD care pathways.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of clinical features in behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) and semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) through case vignettes.
• Examination of communication impairments overlapping psychiatric conditions.
• Discussion of SLP-led interventions for diagnosis, behavioral reframing, and functional participation.

Main Results:

• Communication impairments in FTD can mimic psychiatric conditions, necessitating specialized assessment.
• SLP interventions can clarify diagnoses, reframe behaviors, and improve patient participation.
• SLPs are vital in interdisciplinary teams for FTD care, including caregiver support.

Conclusions:

• Earlier SLP referral and integration into clinical pathways are essential for accurate FTD diagnosis and care.
• Recognizing communication disorders as entry points can improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce stigma.
• Holistic, relationship-centered care models benefit from understanding the communicative dimensions of FTD.