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Dávila G, Berthier ML. Are pharmacotherapeutics effective for treating aphasia? Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:267-271. [PMID: 38323346 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2313557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aphasia is a communication disorder resulting from stroke and/or neurodegenerative conditions which involve the left cerebral hemisphere. It is a debilitating disorder affecting a person's ability to speak, understand, read, and write. Its impact on daily life necessitates therapeutic strategies to aid patients with aphasia. AREAS COVERED In this special report, the authors speculate whether current pharmacotherapeutic strategies are effective in treating aphasia. The authors look at aphasia caused by different conditions and how this could impact therapy before providing the reader with their expert perspectives. The aim of this paper is for the reader to gain a clearer understanding of the efficacy of the current pharmacotherapeutic treatment paradigms as well as potential future developments. EXPERT OPINION The exploration of pharmacotherapy for aphasia in vascular brain disorders and neurodegenerative diseases has received much attention in recent years with various therapeutic strategies having been put forward. In terms of whether pharmacotherapy is effective for the treatment of aphasia, there is still no clear-cut answer. Further research is needed with more studies requiring a greater emphasis on language and communication deficits. Biomarkers may also help clinicians provide their patients with a more personalized treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Dávila
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA) - Plataforma Bionand, Málaga, Spain
| | - Marcelo L Berthier
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA) - Plataforma Bionand, Málaga, Spain
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Kertesz A, Finger E, Munoz DG. Progress in Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Review. Cogn Behav Neurol 2024; 37:3-12. [PMID: 38498721 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
We present a review of the definition, classification, and epidemiology of primary progressive aphasia (PPA); an update of the taxonomy of the clinical syndrome of PPA; and recent advances in the neuroanatomy, pathology, and genetics of PPA, as well as the search for biomarkers and treatment. PPA studies that have contributed to concepts of language organization and disease propagation in neurodegeneration are also reviewed. In addition, the issues of heterogeneity versus the relationships of the clinical phenotypes and their relationship to biological, pathological, and genetic advances are discussed, as is PPA's relationship to other conditions such as frontotemporal dementia, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Arguments are presented in favor of considering these conditions as one entity versus many.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kertesz
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David G Munoz
- Department of Pathology, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Crowley SJ, Iordan AD, Rinna K, Barmada S, Hampstead BM. Comparing high definition transcranial direct current stimulation to left temporoparietal junction and left inferior frontal gyrus for logopenic primary progressive aphasia: A single-case study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024:1-26. [PMID: 38358112 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2314878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) is characterized by word-finding deficits and phonologic errors in fluent speech. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting either left temporoparietal junction (TPJ) or left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) show evidence of improving language function in lvPPA. The present case study evaluated the effects of two separate rounds of high definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) (4 mA; 30 sessions) on language and functional neuroimaging in a 57-year-old woman with lvPPA. Stimulation was centred on two different regions across rounds: (1) left TPJ, and (2) left (IFG). Results showed an improved proportion of content to floorholder words during a naturalistic speech task through both rounds as well as change in confrontation naming after TPJ (improvement) and IFG (worsened) stimulation. fMRI connectivity during task showed left lateralized positive correlations following round 1 and anti-correlations with components of the default mode network following round 2. Resting state segregation of a language-associated functional network increased following both rounds, and task-based segregation of the same network increased following IFG stimulation. These results suggest that stimulation to both regions using HD-tDCS may improve language function in lvPPA, while simultaneously eliciting widespread changes beyond the targeted area in neuronal activity and functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Crowley
- Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Interventions, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Mental Health Service, Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexandru D Iordan
- Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Interventions, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kayla Rinna
- Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Interventions, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Sami Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin M Hampstead
- Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Interventions, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Mental Health Service, Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Belder CRS, Marshall CR, Jiang J, Mazzeo S, Chokesuwattanaskul A, Rohrer JD, Volkmer A, Hardy CJD, Warren JD. Primary progressive aphasia: six questions in search of an answer. J Neurol 2024; 271:1028-1046. [PMID: 37906327 PMCID: PMC10827918 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review recent progress in the diagnosis and management of primary progressive aphasia-the language-led dementias. We pose six key unanswered questions that challenge current assumptions and highlight the unresolved difficulties that surround these diseases. How many syndromes of primary progressive aphasia are there-and is syndromic diagnosis even useful? Are these truly 'language-led' dementias? How can we diagnose (and track) primary progressive aphasia better? Can brain pathology be predicted in these diseases? What is their core pathophysiology? In addition, how can primary progressive aphasia best be treated? We propose that pathophysiological mechanisms linking proteinopathies to phenotypes may help resolve the clinical complexity of primary progressive aphasia, and may suggest novel diagnostic tools and markers and guide the deployment of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R S Belder
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charles R Marshall
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Jiang
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Salvatore Mazzeo
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Anthipa Chokesuwattanaskul
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Clinical and Computational Neuroscience Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Chris J D Hardy
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Huang MH, Zeng BS, Tseng PT, Hsu CW, Wu YC, Tu YK, Stubbs B, Carvalho AF, Liang CS, Chen TY, Chen YW, Su KP. Treatment Efficacy of Pharmacotherapies for Frontotemporal Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:1062-1073. [PMID: 37633762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropsychiatric symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have a profound negative impact on disease outcomes and care burden. Available pharmacotherapies might be supported by small-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, clinical recommendations might not be conclusive. METHODS We systematically searched several databases from inception to April 30, 2022, for RCTs of drug therapy in patients with FTD and neuropsychiatric symptoms (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included changes in caregiver stress, daily interactive activities, cognitive function, and acceptability (adverse event or dropout rates). The network meta-analysis (NMA) procedure was performed under the frequency model, showing effect sizes as standardized mean differences (SMD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS Seven RCTs with 243 participants were included. Compared with placebo, high-dose oxytocin (72 international units) was associated with the greatest improvement in patients' neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = -1.17, 95% CIs = -2.25 to -0.08, z = -2.10, p = 0.035). Piracetam significantly worsened neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = 3.48, 95% CIs = 1.58 to 5.37, z = 3.60, p < 0.001) and caregiver stress (SMD = 2.40, 95% CIs = 0.80-4.01, z = 2.94, p = 0.003). Trazodone had significantly higher rates of adverse events (OR = 9.53, 95% CIs = 1.85-49.20, z = 2.69, p = 0.007). No pharmacological intervention significantly benefited cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first NMA for clinical recommendation to support the use of high-dose oxytocin and caution regarding the use of piracetam for neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Hsuan Huang
- Department of psychiatry (M-HH), Yuanshan and Suao branches of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Ilan, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry (M-HH), Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Syuan Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (B-SZ, P-TT), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine (B-SZ), E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (B-SZ, P-TT), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology (Y-WC, P-TT), Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Psychology (P-TT), Collage of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Precision Medicine (P-TT), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry (C-WH), Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Sports Medicine (Y-CW), Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine (Y-KT), College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry (Y-KT), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine (BS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Physiotherapy Department (BS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Positive Ageing Research Institute (PARI) (BS), Faculty of Health, Social Care Medicine and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre (AFC), School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry (C-SL), Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (C-SL), National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry (T-YC), Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science (T-YC), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Wen Chen
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology (Y-WC, P-TT), Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Department of Psychiatry & Mind-Body Interface Laboratory (MBI-Lab) (K-PS), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine (K-PS), China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; An-Nan Hospital (K-PS), China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Hafiz R, Alajlani L, Ali A, Algarni GA, Aljurfi H, Alammar OAM, Ashqan MY, Alkhashan A. The Latest Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia. Cureus 2023; 15:e50522. [PMID: 38222245 PMCID: PMC10787596 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a debilitating neurological condition that is characterized by persistent cognitive decline. It is a global health challenge, with a rapidly increasing prevalence due to an increasing aging population. Although definitive diagnosis of various conditions of dementia is only possible by autopsy, clinical diagnosis can be performed by a specialist. The diagnostic process has evolved with recent breakthroughs in diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging techniques and biomarkers. These tools facilitate early and accurate identification of the condition. Early diagnosis is vital, as it enables timely interventions to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Treatment strategies for dementia encompass both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Non-pharmacological treatments include cognitive training and lifestyle modifications. Among pharmacological treatments, acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors including donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine can be used in various doses based on the severity of the disease. Apart from these, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists such as memantine can also be used. Furthermore, personalized treatments have also gained significant attention in dementia treatment. Interdisciplinary care, involving healthcare professionals, social workers, and support networks, is crucial for comprehensive and holistic dementia management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab Hafiz
- Family Medicine, Al Takassusi Primary Healthcare Center, Makkah, SAU
| | - Lama Alajlani
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Albatool Ali
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ghadah A Algarni
- College of Medicine, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Hassan Aljurfi
- Family Medicine, Alfath Care Center, Madinah Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Madinah, SAU
| | | | - Maria Y Ashqan
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Alanoud Alkhashan
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
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Mohamed AA, Marques O. Diagnostic Efficacy and Clinical Relevance of Artificial Intelligence in Detecting Cognitive Decline. Cureus 2023; 15:e47004. [PMID: 37965412 PMCID: PMC10641267 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is an age-associated disorder of increasing prevalence as the aging population continues to grow. Classified based on the level of cognitive decline, memory, function, and capacity to conduct activities of daily living, cognitive impairment ranges from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. When considering the insidious nature of the etiologies responsible for varying degrees of cognitive impairment, early diagnosis may provide a clinical benefit through the facilitation of early treatment. Typical diagnosis relies heavily on evaluation in a primary care setting. However, there is evidence that other diagnostic tools may aid in an earlier diagnosis of the different underlying pathologies responsible for cognitive impairment. Artificial intelligence represents a new intersecting field with healthcare that may aid in the early detection of neurodegenerative disorders. When assessing the role of AI in detecting cognitive decline, it is important to consider both the diagnostic efficacy of AI algorithms and the clinical relevance and impact of early interventions as a result of early detection. Thus, this review highlights promising investigations and developments in the space of artificial intelligence and healthcare and their potential to impact patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Mohamed
- Neurological Surgery, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA
| | - Oge Marques
- Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA
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Dávila G, Torres-Prioris MJ, López-Barroso D, Berthier ML. Turning the Spotlight to Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy of the Human Language System. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:599-637. [PMID: 37341896 PMCID: PMC10374790 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Even though language is essential in human communication, research on pharmacological therapies for language deficits in highly prevalent neurodegenerative and vascular brain diseases has received little attention. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that disruption of the cholinergic system may play an essential role in language deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment, including post-stroke aphasia. Therefore, current models of cognitive processing are beginning to appraise the implications of the brain modulator acetylcholine in human language functions. Future work should be directed further to analyze the interplay between the cholinergic system and language, focusing on identifying brain regions receiving cholinergic innervation susceptible to modulation with pharmacotherapy to improve affected language domains. The evaluation of language deficits in pharmacological cholinergic trials for Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment has thus far been limited to coarse-grained methods. More precise, fine-grained language testing is needed to refine patient selection for pharmacotherapy to detect subtle deficits in the initial phases of cognitive decline. Additionally, noninvasive biomarkers can help identify cholinergic depletion. However, despite the investigation of cholinergic treatment for language deficits in Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment, data on its effectiveness are insufficient and controversial. In the case of post-stroke aphasia, cholinergic agents are showing promise, particularly when combined with speech-language therapy to promote trained-dependent neural plasticity. Future research should explore the potential benefits of cholinergic pharmacotherapy in language deficits and investigate optimal strategies for combining these agents with other therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Dávila
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - María José Torres-Prioris
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Diana López-Barroso
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Marcelo L Berthier
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.
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Stockbridge MD, Keser Z. Supporting Post-Stroke Language and Cognition with Pharmacotherapy: Tools for Each Phase of Care. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:335-343. [PMID: 37271792 PMCID: PMC10257638 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is enormous enthusiasm for the possibility of pharmacotherapies to treat language deficits that can arise after stroke. Speech language therapy remains the most frequently utilized and most strongly evidenced treatment, but the numerous barriers to patients receiving the therapy necessary to recover have motivated the creation of a relatively modest, yet highly cited, body of evidence to support the use of pharmacotherapy to treat post-stroke aphasia directly or to augment traditional post-stroke aphasia treatment. In this review, we survey the use of pharmacotherapy to preserve and support language and cognition in the context of stroke across phases of care, discuss key ongoing clinical trials, and identify targets that may become emerging interventions in the future. RECENT FINDINGS Recent trials have shifted focus from short periods of drug therapy supporting therapy in the chronic phase to longer terms approaching pharmacological maintenance beginning more acutely. Recent innovations in hyperacute stroke care, such as tenecteplase, and acute initiation of neuroprotective agents and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are important areas of ongoing research that complement the ongoing search for effective adjuvants to later therapy. Currently there are no drugs approved in the United States for the treatment of aphasia. Nevertheless, pharmacological intervention may provide a benefit to all phases of stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Stockbridge
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps 4, Suite 446, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Zafer Keser
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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Premi E, Dukart J, Mattioli I, Libri I, Pengo M, Gadola Y, Cotelli M, Manenti R, Binetti G, Gazzina S, Alberici A, Magoni M, Koch G, Gasparotti R, Padovani A, Borroni B. Unravelling neurotransmitters impairment in primary progressive aphasias. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:2245-2253. [PMID: 36649260 PMCID: PMC10028634 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasias (PPAs) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases mainly characterized by language impairment, and with variably presence of dysexecutive syndrome, behavioural disturbances and parkinsonism. Detailed knowledge of neurotransmitters impairment and its association with clinical features hold the potential to develop new tailored therapeutic approaches. In the present study, we applied JuSpace toolbox, which allowed for cross-modal correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measures with nuclear imaging derived estimates covering various neurotransmitter systems including dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. We included 103 PPA patients and 80 age-matched healthy controls (HC). We tested if the spatial patterns of grey matter volume (GMV) alterations in PPA patients (relative to HC) are correlated with specific neurotransmitter systems. As compared to HC, voxel-based brain changes in PPA were significantly associated with spatial distribution of serotonin, dopamine, and glutamatergic pathways (p < .05, False Discovery Rate corrected-corrected). Disease severity was negatively correlated with the strength of GMV colocalization of D1 receptors (p = .035) and serotonin transporter (p = .020). Moreover, we observed a significant negative correlation between positive behavioural symptoms, as measured with Frontal Behavioural Inventory, and GMV colocalization of D1 receptors (p = .007) and serotonin transporter (p < .001). This pilot study suggests that JuSpace is a helpful tool to indirectly assess neurotransmitter deficits in neurodegenerative dementias and may provide novel insight into disease mechanisms and associated clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Premi
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM‐7)Research CentreJülichJülichGermany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Irene Mattioli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Ilenia Libri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Marta Pengo
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Yasmine Gadola
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology UnitIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio FatebenefratelliBresciaItaly
| | - Rosa Manenti
- Neuropsychology UnitIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio FatebenefratelliBresciaItaly
| | - Giuliano Binetti
- MAC Memory Clinic and Molecular Markers LaboratoryIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio FatebenefratelliBresciaItaly
| | - Stefano Gazzina
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Mauro Magoni
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Department of Neuroscience and RehabilitationUniversity of Ferrara and Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)FerraraItaly
- Department of Clinical and Behavioural NeurologySanta Lucia Foundation IRCCSRomeItaly
| | | | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
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11
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Mahmoudi R, Novella JL, Laurent-Badr S, Boulahrouz S, Tran D, Morrone I, Jaïdi Y. Cholinergic Antagonists and Behavioral Disturbances in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086921. [PMID: 37108085 PMCID: PMC10138684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic antagonists interfere with synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and are involved in pathological processes in patients with neurocognitive disorders (NCD), such as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In this commentary, we will briefly review the current knowledge on the impact of cholinergic burden on BPSD in persons with NCD, including the main pathophysiological mechanisms. Given the lack of clear consensus regarding symptomatic management of BPSD, special attention must be paid to this preventable, iatrogenic condition in patients with NCD, and de-prescription of cholinergic antagonists should be considered in patients with BPSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Mahmoudi
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
- UR 3797 Vieillissement, Fragilité (VieFra), Faculty of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51687 Reims, France
| | - Jean Luc Novella
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
- UR 3797 Vieillissement, Fragilité (VieFra), Faculty of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51687 Reims, France
| | - Sarah Laurent-Badr
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Sarah Boulahrouz
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
- UR 3797 Vieillissement, Fragilité (VieFra), Faculty of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51687 Reims, France
| | - David Tran
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Isabella Morrone
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
- Cognition Health and Society Laboratory (C2S-EA 6291), Faculty of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51687 Reims, France
| | - Yacine Jaïdi
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Reims University Hospitals, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
- UR 3797 Vieillissement, Fragilité (VieFra), Faculty of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51687 Reims, France
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12
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Schaeverbeke J, Tomé SO, Ronisz A, Ospitalieri S, von Arnim CAF, Otto M, Vandenberghe R, Thal DR. Neuronal loss of the nucleus basalis of Meynert in primary progressive aphasia is associated with Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 19:1440-1451. [PMID: 36170544 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Imaging studies indicated basal forebrain reduction in primary progressive aphasia (PPA), which might be a candidate marker for cholinergic treatment. Nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) neuronal loss has been reported, but a systematic quantitative neuropathological assessment including the three clinical PPA variants is lacking. METHODS Quantitative assessment of neuronal density and pathology was performed on nbM tissue of 47 cases: 15 PPA, constituting the different clinicopathological phenotypes, 14 Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 18 cognitively normals. RESULTS Group-wise, reduced nbM neuronal density was restricted to AD. At the individual level, semantic variant PPA with underlying AD neuropathological change (ADNC) had lower neuronal densities, while those with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) type C pathology were unaffected. Higher Braak stages and increased numbers of nbM-related pretangles were associated with nbM neuronal loss. DISCUSSION nbM neuronal loss in PPA is related to ADNC. This study cautions against overinterpreting MRI-based basal forebrain volumes in non-AD PPA as neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Schaeverbeke
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra O Tomé
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alicja Ronisz
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simona Ospitalieri
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine A F von Arnim
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University clinic, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews many of the complex facets of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). A particular focus is on improving diagnostic accuracy to reduce the arduous diagnostic odyssey that so many patients and families endure. Strategies to promote diagnostic accuracy and approach the management of problematic symptoms are also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Although the International Consensus Criteria for bvFTD were published more than a decade ago and clinicopathologic studies have confirmed their utility, diagnostic confusion continues. This article presents updated data along with illustrative cases to emphasize the clinical pearls that are most useful for clinicians. Although accurate prediction of the underlying proteinopathy remains a challenge, the ability to differentiate bvFTD from atypical Alzheimer disease, psychiatric disorders, and other mimickers has improved. Knowledge about the genetic underpinnings in a significant minority of individuals with familial FTLD is enabling early and accurate diagnosis. Therapeutic optimism has also increased, particularly in familial FTLD, with a few clinical trials in progress and several more planned, some of which are designed to slow progression or delay the onset of symptoms, or both. SUMMARY The diagnosis and management of bvFTD is challenging for clinicians and particularly for patients and their families. Although much progress has been gained over recent years, several key research questions persist. Treatments that significantly improve symptoms or alter the course of FTLD remain elusive, but optimism is increasing as pathobiology is better understood and novel therapies are being developed.
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14
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Mouton A, Plonka A, Fabre R, Tran TM, Robert P, Macoir J, Manera V, Gros A. The course of primary progressive aphasia diagnosis: a cross-sectional study. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:64. [PMID: 35538502 PMCID: PMC9092839 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The primary progressive aphasia (PPA) diagnosis trajectory is debated, as several changes in diagnosis occur during PPA course, due to phenotype evolution from isolated language alterations to global cognitive impairment. The goal of the present study, based on a French cohort, was to describe the demographics and the evolution of subjects with (PPA) in comparison with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on a period of 7 years. Methods We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study. The study population comprised individuals with PPA and AD diagnosis (N=167,191) from 2010 to 2016 in the French National data Bank (BNA). Demographic variables, MMSE scores, diagnosis status at each visit and prescribed treatments were considered. Results From 2010 to 2016, 5186 patients were initially diagnosed with PPA, 162,005 with AD. Compared to AD subjects, significant differences were found concerning age (younger at first diagnosis for PPA), gender (more balanced in PPA), education level (higher in PPA) and MMSE score (higher of 1 point in PPA). Percentage of pending diagnosis, delay between first consultation and first diagnosis and the number of different diagnoses before the diagnosis of interest were significantly higher in PPA group compared to AD group. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were significatively more recommended following PPA than AD diagnosis. Conclusion This study improves the knowledge of PPA epidemiology and has the potential to help adopting appropriate public health service policies. It supports the hypothesis that PPA is diagnosed later than AD. The PPA diagnosis increases the prescription of non-pharmacological treatments, especially speech and language therapy (SLT) that is the main treatment available and most effective when at the initial stage. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03687112 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-022-01007-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mouton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Laboratoire CoBTeK, Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - A Plonka
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Laboratoire CoBTeK, Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Institut NeuroMod, Université Côte d'Azur, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - R Fabre
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Laboratoire CoBTeK, Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - T M Tran
- Laboratoire STL, UMR 8163, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - P Robert
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Laboratoire CoBTeK, Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Faculté de Médecine de Nice, Département d'Orthophonie, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - J Macoir
- Department of rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - V Manera
- Faculté de Médecine de Nice, Département d'Orthophonie, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Laboratoire CoBTeK, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - A Gros
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Laboratoire CoBTeK, Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France. .,Faculté de Médecine de Nice, Département d'Orthophonie, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
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15
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Huber N, Korhonen S, Hoffmann D, Leskelä S, Rostalski H, Remes AM, Honkakoski P, Solje E, Haapasalo A. Deficient neurotransmitter systems and synaptic function in frontotemporal lobar degeneration-Insights into disease mechanisms and current therapeutic approaches. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1300-1309. [PMID: 34799692 PMCID: PMC9095474 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases and, to date, no validated diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. Current treatment strategies rely on the off-label use of medications for symptomatic treatment. Changes in several neurotransmitter systems including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems have been reported in FTLD spectrum disease patients. Many FTLD-related clinical and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggressive and compulsive behaviour, agitation, as well as altered eating habits and hyperorality can be explained by disturbances in these neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that their targeting might possibly offer new therapeutic options for treating patients with FTLD. This review summarizes the present knowledge on neurotransmitter system deficits and synaptic dysfunction in model systems and patients harbouring the most common genetic causes of FTLD, the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 and mutations in the granulin (GRN) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes. We also describe the current pharmacological treatment options for FLTD that target different neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sonja Korhonen
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M. Remes
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland ,grid.412326.00000 0004 4685 4917MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Paavo Honkakoski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Eino Solje
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490Institute of Clinical Medicine—Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.410705.70000 0004 0628 207XNeuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, KYS, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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16
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Better language through chemistry: Augmenting speech-language therapy with pharmacotherapy in the treatment of aphasia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 185:261-272. [PMID: 35078604 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823384-9.00013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Speech and language therapy is the standard treatment of aphasia. However, many individuals have barriers in seeking this measure of extensive rehabilitation treatment. Investigating ways to augment therapy is key to improving poststroke language outcomes for all patients with aphasia, and pharmacotherapies provide one such potential solution. Although no medications are currently approved for the treatment of aphasia by the United States Food and Drug Administration, numerous candidate mechanisms for pharmaceutical manipulation continue to be identified based on our evolving understanding of the neurometabolic experience of stroke recovery across molecular, cellular, and functional levels of inquiry. This chapter will review evidence for catecholaminergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic drug therapies and discuss future directions for both candidate drug selection and pharmacotherapy practice in people with aphasia.
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17
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Gambogi LB, Guimarães HC, de Souza LC, Caramelli P. Treatment of the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia: a narrative review. Dement Neuropsychol 2021; 15:331-338. [PMID: 34630920 PMCID: PMC8485641 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642021dn15-030004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder accompanied by behavioral and personality changes and/or language deterioration. Its behavioral variant (bvFTD) is the main clinical presentation. Objective This study aims to investigate the treatment alternatives for bvFTD available so far. Methods We conducted a narrative review of bvFTD treatment options. We used PubMed and Lilacs databases with the terms "frontotemporal dementia" or "behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia" combined with "treatment," "pharmacological treatment," or "disease-modifying drugs." Results The articles retrieved and selected in the research pointed out that there is no specific treatment approved for bvFTD so far. The current proposals are limited to handle the cardinal behavioral symptoms of the disorder. Disease-modifying drugs are under development and may be promising, especially in the monogenic presentations of FTD. Conclusions There are numerous approaches to treat the core symptoms of bvFTD, most of them based on low-quality research. To date, there are no drugs with a disease-specific therapeutic recommendation for bvFTD. Treatments are often investigated guided by primary psychiatric disorders with similar symptoms and should be chosen by the predominant symptom profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Boson Gambogi
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Research Group, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Henrique Cerqueira Guimarães
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Research Group, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Cruz de Souza
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Research Group, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Research Group, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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18
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Le C, Finger E. Pharmacotherapy for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:1081-1096. [PMID: 34426949 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00854-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the understanding of the frontotemporal dementias (FTDs), there remains no disease-modifying treatment for these conditions, and limited effective symptomatic treatment. Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is the most common FTD syndrome, and is characterized by severe impairments in behaviour, personality and cognition. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common features of bvFTD but are present in the other FTD syndromes. Current treatment strategies therefore focus on ameliorating the neuropsychiatric features. Here we review the rationale for current treatments related to each of the main neuropsychiatric symptoms forming the diagnostic criteria for bvFTD relevant to all FTD subtypes, and two additional symptoms not currently part of the diagnostic criteria: lack of insight and psychosis. Given the paucity of effective treatments for these symptoms, we highlight how contributing mechanisms delineated in cognitive neuroscience may inform future approaches to clinical trials and more precise symptomatic treatments for FTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Le
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Plonka A, Mouton A, Macoir J, Tran TM, Derremaux A, Robert P, Manera V, Gros A. Primary Progressive Aphasia: Use of Graphical Markers for an Early and Differential Diagnosis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1198. [PMID: 34573219 PMCID: PMC8464890 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) brings together neurodegenerative pathologies whose main characteristic is to start with a progressive language disorder. PPA diagnosis is often delayed in non-specialised clinical settings. With the technologies' development, new writing parameters can be extracted, such as the writing pressure on a touch pad. Despite some studies having highlighted differences between patients with typical Alzheimer's disease (AD) and healthy controls, writing parameters in PPAs are understudied. The objective was to verify if the writing pressure in different linguistic and non-linguistic tasks can differentiate patients with PPA from patients with AD and healthy subjects. Patients with PPA (n = 32), patients with AD (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 26) were included in this study. They performed a set of handwriting tasks on an iPad® digital tablet, including linguistic, cognitive non-linguistic, and non-cognitive non-linguistic tasks. Average and maximum writing pressures were extracted for each task. We found significant differences in writing pressure, between healthy controls and patients with PPA, and between patients with PPA and AD. However, the classification of performances was dependent on the nature of the tasks. These results suggest that measuring writing pressure in graphical tasks may improve the early diagnosis of PPA, and the differential diagnosis between PPA and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Plonka
- Département d’Orthophonie de Nice, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.M.); (P.R.); (A.G.)
- Laboratoire CoBTeK (Cognition Behaviour Technology), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.D.); (V.M.)
- Institut NeuroMod, Université Côte d’Azur, 06902 Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Aurélie Mouton
- Département d’Orthophonie de Nice, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.M.); (P.R.); (A.G.)
- Laboratoire CoBTeK (Cognition Behaviour Technology), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.D.); (V.M.)
- Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, CMRR, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Joël Macoir
- Département de Réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche CERVO (CERVO Brain Research Centre), Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Thi-Mai Tran
- Laboratoire STL, UMR 8163, Département d‘Orthophonie, UFR3S, Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Alexandre Derremaux
- Laboratoire CoBTeK (Cognition Behaviour Technology), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.D.); (V.M.)
| | - Philippe Robert
- Département d’Orthophonie de Nice, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.M.); (P.R.); (A.G.)
- Laboratoire CoBTeK (Cognition Behaviour Technology), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.D.); (V.M.)
- Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, CMRR, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Valeria Manera
- Laboratoire CoBTeK (Cognition Behaviour Technology), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.D.); (V.M.)
| | - Auriane Gros
- Département d’Orthophonie de Nice, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.M.); (P.R.); (A.G.)
- Laboratoire CoBTeK (Cognition Behaviour Technology), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France; (A.D.); (V.M.)
- Service Clinique Gériatrique du Cerveau et du Mouvement, CMRR, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 06000 Nice, France
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20
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Bocchetta M, Malpetti M, Todd EG, Rowe JB, Rohrer JD. Looking beneath the surface: the importance of subcortical structures in frontotemporal dementia. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab158. [PMID: 34458729 PMCID: PMC8390477 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst initial anatomical studies of frontotemporal dementia focussed on cortical involvement, the relevance of subcortical structures to the pathophysiology of frontotemporal dementia has been increasingly recognized over recent years. Key structures affected include the caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, and globus pallidus within the basal ganglia, the hippocampus and amygdala within the medial temporal lobe, the basal forebrain, and the diencephalon structures of the thalamus, hypothalamus and habenula. At the most posterior aspect of the brain, focal involvement of brainstem and cerebellum has recently also been shown in certain subtypes of frontotemporal dementia. Many of the neuroimaging studies on subcortical structures in frontotemporal dementia have been performed in clinically defined sporadic cases. However, investigations of genetically- and pathologically-confirmed forms of frontotemporal dementia are increasingly common and provide molecular specificity to the changes observed. Furthermore, detailed analyses of sub-nuclei and subregions within each subcortical structure are being added to the literature, allowing refinement of the patterns of subcortical involvement. This review focuses on the existing literature on structural imaging and neuropathological studies of subcortical anatomy across the spectrum of frontotemporal dementia, along with investigations of brain–behaviour correlates that examine the cognitive sequelae of specific subcortical involvement: it aims to ‘look beneath the surface’ and summarize the patterns of subcortical involvement have been described in frontotemporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bocchetta
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maura Malpetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily G Todd
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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21
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Shiells H, Schelter BO, Bentham P, Baddeley TC, Rubino CM, Ganesan H, Hammel J, Vuksanovic V, Staff RT, Murray AD, Bracoud L, Wischik DJ, Riedel G, Gauthier S, Jia J, Moebius HJ, Hardlund J, Kipps CM, Kook K, Storey JMD, Harrington CR, Wischik CM. Concentration-Dependent Activity of Hydromethylthionine on Clinical Decline and Brain Atrophy in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 75:501-519. [PMID: 32280089 PMCID: PMC7306898 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydromethylthionine is a potent inhibitor of pathological aggregation of tau and TDP-43 proteins. OBJECTIVE To compare hydromethylthionine treatment effects at two doses and to determine how drug exposure is related to treatment response in bvFTD. METHODS We undertook a 52-week Phase III study in 220 bvFTD patients randomized to compare hydromethylthionine at 200 mg/day and 8 mg/day (intended as a control). The principal outcomes were change on the Addenbrookes Cognitive Examination - Revised (ACE-R), the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), and whole brain volume. Secondary outcomes included Modified Clinical Global Impression of Change (Modified-CGIC). A population pharmacokinetic exposure-response analysis was undertaken in 175 of the patients with available blood samples and outcome data using a discriminatory plasma assay for the parent drug. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the two doses as randomized. There were steep concentration-response relationships for plasma levels in the range 0.3-0.6 ng/ml at the 8 mg/day dose on clinical and MRI outcomes. There were significant exposure-dependent differences at 8 mg/day for FAQ, Modified-CGIC, and whole brain atrophy comparing patients with plasma levels greater than 0.346 ng/ml with having minimal drug exposure. The exposure-response is biphasic with worse outcomes at the high concentrations produced by 200 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS Hydromethylthionine has a similar concentration-response profile for effects on clinical decline and brain atrophy at the 8 mg/day dose in bvFTD as recently reported in AD. Treatment responses in bvFTD are predicted to be maximal at doses in the range 20-60 mg/day. A confirmatory placebo-controlled trial is now planned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bjoern O Schelter
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Thomas C Baddeley
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Harish Ganesan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hammel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, NY, USA
| | - Vesna Vuksanovic
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roger T Staff
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alison D Murray
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Damon J Wischik
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Serge Gauthier
- McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jianping Jia
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Alzheimer's Disease Centre, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - John M D Storey
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Charles R Harrington
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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22
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Mahoney CJ, Ahmed RM, Huynh W, Tu S, Rohrer JD, Bedlack RS, Hardiman O, Kiernan MC. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Non-motor Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:483-505. [PMID: 33993457 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease typically presenting with bulbar or limb weakness. There is increasing evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a multisystem disease with early and frequent impacts on cognition, behaviour, sleep, pain and fatigue. Dysfunction of normal physiological and metabolic processes also appears common. Evidence from pre-symptomatic studies and large epidemiological cohorts examining risk factors for the future development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have reported a high prevalence of changes in behaviour and mental health before the emergence of motor weakness. This suggests that changes beyond the motor system are underway at an early stage with dysfunction across brain networks regulating a variety of cognitive, behavioural and other homeostatic processes. The full impact of non-motor dysfunction continues to be established but there is now sufficient evidence that the presence of non-motor symptoms impacts overall survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and with up to 80% reporting non-motor symptoms, there is an urgent need to develop more robust therapeutic approaches. This review provides a contemporary overview of the pathobiology of non-motor dysfunction, offering readers a practical approach with regard to assessment and management. We review the current evidence for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of non-motor dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and highlight the need to further integrate non-motor dysfunction as an important outcome measure for future clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Mahoney
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rebekah M Ahmed
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - William Huynh
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sicong Tu
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Richard S Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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23
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Khoury R, Liu Y, Sheheryar Q, Grossberg GT. Pharmacotherapy for Frontotemporal Dementia. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:425-438. [PMID: 33840052 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00813-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia is a heterogeneous spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders. The neuropathological inclusions are tau proteins, TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa-TDP-43, or fused in sarcoma-ubiquitinated inclusions. Genetically, several autosomal mutations account for the heritability of the disorder. Phenotypically, frontotemporal dementia can present with a behavioral variant or a language variant called primary progressive aphasia. To date, there are no approved symptomatic or disease-modifying treatments for frontotemporal dementia. Currently used therapies are supported by low-level of evidence (mostly uncontrolled) studies. The off-label use of drugs is also limited by their side-effect profile including an increased risk of confusion, parkinsonian symptoms, and risk of mortality. Emerging disease-modifying treatments currently target the progranulin and the expansion on chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 genes as well as tau deposits. Advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and improving the design of future clinical trials are much needed to optimize the chances to obtain positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Saint Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Youssef Sursock Street, PO Box 166378, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Quratulanne Sheheryar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - George T Grossberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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24
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FTLD Treatment: Current Practice and Future Possibilities. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:297-310. [PMID: 33433882 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
While behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) remain unrelenting and universally fatal conditions, there is a framework for supportive treatment in patients diagnosed with these frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes and the larger spectrum of clinical syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathology on autopsy. A managing physician has an important role in weighing therapeutic options, organizing caregiver support, and framing long-term expectations for patients and caregivers. Additionally, a dedicated neurologist may assist patients and caregivers in navigating a growing range of FTD research, including exciting opportunities in clinical therapeutic trials. This chapter will review current therapeutic options for patients with bvFTD and PPA and detail the landscape of potential new disease-modifying therapies targeting the pathophysiology or FTLD.
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25
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Parsons C, Lim WY, Loy C, McGuinness B, Passmore P, Ward SA, Hughes C. Withdrawal or continuation of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine or both, in people with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 2:CD009081. [PMID: 35608903 PMCID: PMC8094886 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009081.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a progressive syndrome characterised by deterioration in memory, thinking and behaviour, and by impaired ability to perform daily activities. Two classes of drug - cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) and memantine - are widely licensed for dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, and rivastigmine is also licensed for Parkinson's disease dementia. These drugs are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and delay disease progression in these and sometimes in other forms of dementia. There are uncertainties about the benefits and adverse effects of these drugs in the long term and in severe dementia, about effects of withdrawal, and about the most appropriate time to discontinue treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of withdrawal or continuation of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, or both, in people with dementia on: cognitive, neuropsychiatric and functional outcomes, rates of institutionalisation, adverse events, dropout from trials, mortality, quality of life and carer-related outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialised Register up to 17 October 2020 using terms appropriate for the retrieval of studies of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. The Specialised Register contains records of clinical trials identified from monthly searches of a number of major healthcare databases, numerous trial registries and grey literature sources. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) which compared withdrawal of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, or both, with continuation of the same drug or drugs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed citations and full-text articles for inclusion, extracted data from included trials and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Where trials were sufficiently similar, we pooled data for outcomes in the short term (up to 2 months after randomisation), medium term (3-11 months) and long term (12 months or more). We assessed the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included six trials investigating cholinesterase inhibitor withdrawal, and one trial investigating withdrawal of either donepezil or memantine. No trials assessed withdrawal of memantine only. Drugs were withdrawn abruptly in five trials and stepwise in two trials. All participants had dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, with severities ranging from mild to very severe, and were taking cholinesterase inhibitors without known adverse effects at baseline. The included trials randomised 759 participants to treatment groups relevant to this review. Study duration ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. There were too few included studies to allow planned subgroup analyses. We considered some studies to be at unclear or high risk of selection, performance, detection, attrition or reporting bias. Compared to continuing cholinesterase inhibitors, discontinuing treatment may be associated with worse cognitive function in the short term (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.64 to -0.21; 4 studies; low certainty), but the effect in the medium term is very uncertain (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.87 to 0.07; 3 studies; very low certainty). In a sensitivity analysis omitting data from a study which only included participants who had shown a relatively poor prior response to donepezil, inconsistency was reduced and we found that cognitive function may be worse in the discontinuation group in the medium term (SMD -0.62; 95% CI -0.94 to -0.31). Data from one longer-term study suggest that discontinuing a cholinesterase inhibitor is probably associated with worse cognitive function at 12 months (mean difference (MD) -2.09 Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) points, 95% CI -3.43 to -0.75; moderate certainty). Discontinuation may make little or no difference to functional status in the short term (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.04; 2 studies; low certainty), and its effect in the medium term is uncertain (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.01; 2 studies; very low certainty). After 12 months, discontinuing a cholinesterase inhibitor probably results in greater functional impairment than continuing treatment (MD -3.38 Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale (BADLS) points, 95% CI -6.67 to -0.10; one study; moderate certainty). Discontinuation may be associated with a worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms over the short term and medium term, although we cannot exclude a minimal effect (SMD - 0.48, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.13; 2 studies; low certainty; and SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.08; 3 studies; low certainty, respectively). Data from one study suggest that discontinuing a cholinesterase inhibitor may result in little to no change in neuropsychiatric status at 12 months (MD -0.87 Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) points; 95% CI -8.42 to 6.68; moderate certainty). We found no clear evidence of an effect of discontinuation on dropout due to lack of medication efficacy or deterioration in overall medical condition (odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.76; 4 studies; low certainty), on number of adverse events (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.27; 4 studies; low certainty) or serious adverse events (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.39; 4 studies; low certainty), and on mortality (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.55; 5 studies; low certainty). Institutionalisation was reported in one trial, but it was not possible to extract data for the groups relevant to this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that discontinuing cholinesterase inhibitors may result in worse cognitive, neuropsychiatric and functional status than continuing treatment, although this is supported by limited evidence, almost all of low or very low certainty. As all participants had dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, our findings are not transferable to other dementia types. We were unable to determine whether the effects of discontinuing cholinesterase inhibitors differed with baseline dementia severity. There is currently no evidence to guide decisions about discontinuing memantine. There is a need for further well-designed RCTs, across a range of dementia severities and settings. We are aware of two ongoing registered trials. In making decisions about discontinuing these drugs, clinicians should exercise caution, considering the evidence from existing trials along with other factors important to patients and their carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Wei Yin Lim
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Clement Loy
- Brain and Mind Centre and Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Peter Passmore
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Stephanie A Ward
- Monash Aging Research Center, The Kingston Centre, Cheltenham, Australia
| | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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26
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Epelbaum S, Saade YM, Flamand Roze C, Roze E, Ferrieux S, Arbizu C, Nogues M, Azuar C, Dubois B, Tezenas du Montcel S, Teichmann M. A Reliable and Rapid Language Tool for the Diagnosis, Classification, and Follow-Up of Primary Progressive Aphasia Variants. Front Neurol 2021; 11:571657. [PMID: 33469441 PMCID: PMC7813774 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.571657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary progressive aphasias (PPA) have been investigated by clinical, therapeutic, and fundamental research but examiner-consistent language tests for reliable reproducible diagnosis and follow-up are lacking. Methods: We developed and evaluated a rapid language test for PPA (“PARIS”) assessing its inter-examiner consistency, its power to detect and classify PPA, and its capacity to identify language decline after a follow-up of 9 months. To explore the reliability and specificity/sensitivity of the test it was applied to PPA patients (N = 36), typical amnesic Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients (N = 24) and healthy controls (N = 35), while comparing it to two rapid examiner-consistent language tests used in stroke-induced aphasia (“LAST”, “ART”). Results: The application duration of the “PARIS” was ~10 min and its inter-rater consistency was of 88%. The three tests distinguished healthy controls from AD and PPA patients but only the “PARIS” reliably separated PPA from AD and allowed for classifying the two most frequent PPA variants: semantic and logopenic PPA. Compared to the “LAST” and “ART,” the “PARIS” also had the highest sensitivity for detecting language decline. Conclusions: The “PARIS” is an efficient, rapid, and highly examiner-consistent language test for the diagnosis, classification, and follow-up of frequent PPA variants. It might also be a valuable tool for providing end-points in future therapeutic trials on PPA and other neurodegenerative diseases affecting language processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Epelbaum
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Institut du Cerveau, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Inria, Aramis-project team, 'APHP-INRIA collaboration', Paris, France
| | - Yasmina Michel Saade
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Constance Flamand Roze
- Centre Hospitalier Sud-Francilien, Université Paris Sud, Corbeil-Essonnes, Service de Neurologie et Unité Neurovasculaire, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Emmanuel Roze
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Department of Neurology, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Ferrieux
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Céline Arbizu
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Marie Nogues
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Carole Azuar
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Institut du Cerveau, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Dubois
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Institut du Cerveau, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Tezenas du Montcel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, Paris, France
| | - Marc Teichmann
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "PPA and rare dementias", Institute for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Institut du Cerveau, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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27
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Bogolepova A, Vasenina E, Gomzyakova N, Gusev E, Dudchenko N, Emelin A, Zalutskaya N, Isaev R, Kotovskaya Y, Levin O, Litvinenko I, Lobzin V, Martynov M, Mkhitaryan E, Nikolay G, Palchikova E, Tkacheva O, Cherdak M, Chimagomedova A, Yakhno N. Clinical Guidelines for Cognitive Disorders in Elderly and Older Patients. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20211211036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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28
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Koola MM, Looney SW, Hong H, Pillai A, Hou W. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of galantamine in schizophrenia: significant cognitive enhancement. Psychiatry Res 2020; 291:113285. [PMID: 32763546 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments are core features of schizophrenia and the best predictor of functional outcome. Cholinergic system and alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nACh) receptors are strongly implicated in the pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Galantamine is not only a reversible, competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase but also a type I positive allosteric modulator of α7nACh receptors. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of galantamine for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. In the meta-analysis that included six randomized controlled trials (RCTs, N=226), cognitive impairments significantly improved with galantamine compared to placebo, with a small Hedges' g effect size of 0.233. This finding is consistent with other RCTs in schizophrenia with medications with a similar mechanism of action. On the basis of the results from all the failed (although some efficacy has been shown) RCTs to date in schizophrenia, targeting only one pathophysiologic mechanism may be insufficient to detect a clinically meaningful signal. Nicotinergic medications, like any other add-on medications, are unlikely to be effective as stand-alone medications. Hence, these medications may have to be combined with other medications with complementary mechanisms such as glutamatergic/N-methyl-D-aspartate systems to detect a meaningful effect size for the three domains of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maju Mathew Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Stephen W Looney
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics and Data Science, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Houlin Hong
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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29
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Development of disease-modifying drugs for frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:213-228. [PMID: 32203398 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a spectrum of clinical syndromes characterized by progressive executive, behavioural and language dysfunction. The various FTD spectrum disorders are associated with brain accumulation of different proteins: tau, the transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP43), or fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein, Ewing sarcoma protein and TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) (collectively known as FET proteins). Approximately 60% of patients with FTD have autosomal dominant mutations in C9orf72, GRN or MAPT genes. Currently available treatments are symptomatic and provide limited benefit. However, the increased understanding of FTD pathogenesis is driving the development of potential disease-modifying therapies. Most of these drugs target pathological tau - this category includes tau phosphorylation inhibitors, tau aggregation inhibitors, active and passive anti-tau immunotherapies, and MAPT-targeted antisense oligonucleotides. Some of these therapeutic approaches are being tested in phase II clinical trials. Pharmacological approaches that target the effects of GRN and C9orf72 mutations are also in development. Key results of large clinical trials will be available in a few years. However, clinical trials in FTD pose several challenges, and the development of specific brain imaging and molecular biomarkers could facilitate the recruitment of clinically homogenous groups to improve the chances of positive clinical trial results.
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30
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Effectiveness of Pharmacological Interventions for Symptoms of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia. Cogn Behav Neurol 2020; 33:1-15. [DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Watanabe H, Ikeda M, Mori E. Primary Progressive Aphasia as a Prodromal State of Dementia With Lewy Bodies: A Case Report. Front Neurol 2020; 11:49. [PMID: 32132965 PMCID: PMC7040220 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of dementia in the elderly, and various clinical symptoms, including olfactory dysfunction, dysautonomia, depression, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders (RBD), occur in patients with the prodromal state of DLB. We herein describe a case of a 72-years-old right-handed woman who exhibited primary progressive aphasia (PPA) as a prodromal state of DLB and took cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil). At 4.5 years after aphasia onset, she exhibited all the core clinical features of DLB, including visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, RBD, and Parkinsonism, as well as progressive language impairment. She showed reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) uptake (assessed by DAT single-photon emission computed tomography imaging) in the striatum and decreased cardiac uptake (determined by 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy), which are indicative biomarkers of DLB. Thus, this patient met all the criteria for probable DLB. Notably, the unique feature of this case was the presentation of PPA, which is seldom observed in typical DLB. Moreover, cholinergic enhancement (donepezil, 5 mg daily) improved her language function and global cognitive function, although mild aphasia remained. The findings provide valuable insights into the spectrum of the prodromal state of DLB and shed light on the development of the medication for PPA caused by cholinergic insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Brain Function Center, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Brain Function Center, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Etsuro Mori
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Brain Function Center, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Convery RS, Neason MR, Cash DM, Cardoso MJ, Modat M, Ourselin S, Warren JD, Rohrer JD, Bocchetta M. Basal forebrain atrophy in frontotemporal dementia. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 26:102210. [PMID: 32143137 PMCID: PMC7058403 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The basal forebrain is a subcortical structure that plays an important role in learning, attention, and memory. Despite the known subcortical involvement in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), there is little research into the role of the basal forebrain in this disease. We aimed to investigate differences in basal forebrain volumes between clinical, genetic, and pathological diagnoses of FTD. Methods 356 patients with FTD were recruited from the UCL Dementia Research Centre and matched on age and gender with 83 cognitively normal controls. All subjects had a T1-weighted MR scan suitable for analysis. Basal forebrain volumes were calculated using the Geodesic Information Flow (GIF) parcellation method and were compared between clinical (148 bvFTD, 82 svPPA, 103 nfvPPA, 14 PPA–NOS, 9 FTD–MND), genetic (24 MAPT, 15 GRN, 26 C9orf72) and pathological groups (28 tau, 3 FUS, 35 TDP-43) and controls. A subanalysis was also performed comparing pathological subgroups of tau (11 Pick's disease, 6 FTDP-17, 7 CBD, 4 PSP) and TDP-43 (12 type A, 2 type B, 21 type C). Results All clinical subtypes of FTD showed significantly smaller volumes than controls (p ≤ 0.010, ANCOVA), with svPPA (10% volumetric difference) and bvFTD (9%) displaying the smallest volumes. Reduced basal forebrain volumes were also seen in MAPT mutations (18%, p < 0.0005) and in individuals with pathologically confirmed FTDP-17 (17%), Pick's disease (12%), and TDP-43 type C (8%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Involvement of the basal forebrain is a common feature in FTD, although the extent of volume reduction differs between clinical, genetic, and pathological diagnoses. Tauopathies, particularly those with MAPT mutations, had the smallest volumes. However, atrophy was also seen in those with TDP-43 type C pathology (most of whom have svPPA clinically). This suggests that the basal forebrain is vulnerable to multiple types of FTD-associated protein inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian S Convery
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mollie R Neason
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Cash
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Jorge Cardoso
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Modat
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Martina Bocchetta
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes the clinical, anatomic, genetic, and pathologic features of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and discusses strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy, emphasizing common pitfalls to avoid. Key aspects of management and the future of diagnosis and care for the disorder are highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS BvFTD is a clinical syndrome, not a disease. Patients with the syndrome share core symptoms that reflect degeneration within the most consistently affected brain regions, but accompanying features vary and reflect the precise topography of regional degeneration. The clinician must distinguish a bvFTD syndrome from psychiatric illness and other neurodegenerative syndromes that feature a prominent behavioral component. Antemortem prediction of pathologic diagnosis remains imperfect but improves with careful attention to the clinical details. Management should emphasize prevention of caregiver distress, behavioral and environmental strategies, symptom-based psychopharmacology, and genetic counseling. SUMMARY BvFTD is an important and challenging dementia syndrome. Although disease-modifying treatments are lacking, clinicians can have a profound impact on a family coping with this disorder. Treatment trials are under way for some genetic forms of bvFTD. For sporadic disease, pathologic heterogeneity remains a major challenge, and ongoing research seeks to improve antemortem molecular diagnosis to facilitate therapeutic discovery.
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Fedorova YB. [Current approaches to the treatment of fronto-temporal dementia]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:18-24. [PMID: 31825385 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911909218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementias (FTD) are one of the prevalent forms of early neurodegenerative diseases. FTD are characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations and syndromes. The current methods of FTD treatment and the clinical trials of new methods of FTD treatment are considered in the article. Biomarkers and their relationships with the results of recently completed clinical trials, as well as future therapeutic perspectives, are reviewed.
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Noufi P, Khoury R, Jeyakumar S, Grossberg GT. Use of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Non-Alzheimer's Dementias. Drugs Aging 2019; 36:719-731. [PMID: 31201687 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00685-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Non-Alzheimer's dementias constitute 30% of all dementias and present with major cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Cholinesterase inhibitors improve memory by increasing brain acetylcholine levels and are approved symptomatic therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). They have also been investigated in other types of dementias with potential cholinergic dysfunction. There is compelling evidence for a profound cholinergic deficit in Lewy Body dementia (LBD) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), even to a greater extent than AD. However, this deficit is difficult to objectivize in vascular dementia (VaD) given the increased comorbidity with AD. Furthermore, there is minimal to no evidence for cholinergic loss in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although cholinesterase inhibitors showed significant improvement in cognitive, behavioral, and functional measures in both LBD and PDD clinical trials, only rivastigmine is approved for PDD, due to the heterogeneity of the scales used, the duration of trials, and the limited sample sizes impacting data interpretation. Similarly, the interpretation of findings in VaD trials are limited by the lack of pre-defined inclusion criteria for 'pure VaD' and the wide heterogeneity of patients enrolled with respect to location and extent of cerebrovascular disease. In FTD patients, cholinesterase inhibitors were mostly associated with worsening of cognitive and behavioral symptoms. In non-AD dementias, cholinesterase inhibitors were well tolerated, with increased reports of mild to moderate cholinergic side effects and a non-significant trend for increased cardio and cerebrovascular events with rivastigmine in VaD, justifying their cautious use on a case-by-case basis, especially when there is evidence for cholinergic deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Noufi
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rita Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1438 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | - Sajeeka Jeyakumar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1438 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - George T Grossberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1438 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
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Panza F, Imbimbo BP, Lozupone M, Greco A, Seripa D, Logroscino G, Daniele A, Colosimo C. Disease-modifying therapies for tauopathies: agents in the pipeline. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:397-408. [PMID: 30973276 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1606715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tauopathies are heterogeneous clinicopathological entities characterized by abnormal neuronal and/or glial inclusions of the microtubule-binding protein tau. Primary tauopathies considered to be diseases correspond to a major class of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) neuropathology (FTLD-Tau), including several forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical syndromes. Little progress has been made in the past 20 years in developing effective disease-modifying drugs for primary tauopathies and available symptomatic treatments have limited efficacy. Areas covered: Potential disease-modifying drugs in clinical development to slow neuropathological progression of primary tauopathies. Expert opinion: Since the underlying pathology of primary tauopathies consists of abnormal tau protein aggregates, treatments are being developed to interfere with the aggregation process or to promote the clearance of this protein. Unfortunately, disease-modifying treatments remain years away as demonstrated by the recent negative Phase III findings of a tau aggregation inhibitor (LMTM) for treating the behavioral variant of FTD. Further evidence will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials on novel drugs and immunotherapeutics with various targets - prevention of deposition or removal of tau aggregates, inhibition of tau phosphorylation/acetylation, modulation of O-GlcNAcylation, activation of autophagy or ubiquitin-proteasome system pathways, and rescue of selected tau loss of function or suppression of tau gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy.,b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy.,c Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS , "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- d Department of Research and Development , Chiesi Farmaceutici , Parma , Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- c Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS , "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- c Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS , "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy.,b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- e Institute of Neurology , Catholic University of Sacred Heart , Rome , Italy.,f Institute of Neurology , Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Carlo Colosimo
- g Department of Neurological Sciences , Santa Maria University Hospital , Terni , Italy
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Logroscino G, Imbimbo BP, Lozupone M, Sardone R, Capozzo R, Battista P, Zecca C, Dibello V, Giannelli G, Bellomo A, Greco A, Daniele A, Seripa D, Panza F. Promising therapies for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia clinical phenotypes: from symptomatic to disease-modifying drugs. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1091-1107. [PMID: 31002267 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1598377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical entity that includes several disorders characterized by different cellular mechanisms. Distinctive clinical features in FTD include behavioral, affective, and cognitive symptoms. Unfortunately, little progress has been made over the past 20 years in terms of the development of effective disease-modifying drugs with the currently available symptomatic treatments having limited clinical utility. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the principal pharmacological intervention studies for FTD. These are predominantly randomized clinical trials and include symptomatic treatments and potential disease-modifying drugs. EXPERT OPINION There is insufficient evidence on effective treatments for FTD and studies with better methodological backgrounds are needed. Most studies reporting therapeutic benefits were conducted with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while anti-dementia drugs have been ineffective in FTD. Since the underlying pathology of FTD mostly consists of abnormal tau protein or TDP-43 aggregates, treatments are being developed to interfere with their aggregation process or with the clearance of these proteins. Furthermore, disease-modifying treatments remain years away as demonstrated by the recent negative Phase III findings of a tau aggregation inhibitor (LMTM) for treating the behavioral variant of FTD. The results from current ongoing Phase I/II trials will hopefully give light to future treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Logroscino
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy.,b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- c Department of Research and Development , Chiesi Farmaceutici , Parma , Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- d National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" , Research Hospital , Castellana Grotte Bari , Italy
| | - Rosa Capozzo
- b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy
| | - Petronilla Battista
- e Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SPA SB, IRCCS , Institute of Cassano Murge , Bari , Italy
| | - Chiara Zecca
- b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- d National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" , Research Hospital , Castellana Grotte Bari , Italy.,f Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM), Section of Dentistry , University of Bari AldoMoro , Bari , Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- d National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" , Research Hospital , Castellana Grotte Bari , Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- g Psychiatric Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Foggia , Foggia , Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- h Geriatric Unit , Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- i Institute of Neurology , Catholic University of Sacred Heart , Rome , Italy.,j Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- h Geriatric Unit , Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy.,b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy.,d National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" , Research Hospital , Castellana Grotte Bari , Italy.,h Geriatric Unit , Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
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Desmarais P, Rohrer JD, Nguyen QD, Herrmann N, Stuss DT, Lang AE, Boxer AL, Dickerson BC, Rosen H, van Swieten JC, Meeter LH, Borroni B, Tartaglia MC, Feldman HH, Black SE, Masellis M. Therapeutic trial design for frontotemporal dementia and related disorders. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:412-423. [PMID: 30361298 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-318603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative syndromes with overlapping clinical, molecular and pathological features, all of which challenge the design of clinical trials in these conditions. To date, no pharmacological interventions have been proven effective in significantly modifying the course of these disorders. This study critically reviews the construct and methodology of previously published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in FTD spectrum disorders in order to identify limitations and potential reasons for negative results. Moreover, recommendations based on the identified gaps are elaborated in order to guide future clinical trial design. A systematic literature review was carried out and presented in conformity with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. A total of 23 RCTs in cohorts with diagnoses of behavioural and language variants of FTD, corticobasal syndrome and progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome were identified out of the 943 citations retrieved and were included in the qualitative review. Most studies identified were early-phase clinical trials that were small in size, short in duration and frequently underpowered. Diagnoses of populations enrolled in clinical trials were based on clinical presentation and rarely included precision-medicine tools, such as genetic and molecular testing. Uniformity and standardisation of research outcomes in the FTD spectrum are essential. Several elements should be carefully considered and planned in future clinical trials. We anticipate that precision-medicine approaches will be crucial to adequately address heterogeneity in the FTD spectrum research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Desmarais
- Cognitive & Movement Disorders Clinic, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Quoc Dinh Nguyen
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald T Stuss
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam L Boxer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bradford C Dickerson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Howie Rosen
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Lieke H Meeter
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard H Feldman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Cognitive & Movement Disorders Clinic, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mesulam MM, Lalehzari N, Rahmani F, Ohm D, Shahidehpour R, Kim G, Gefen T, Weintraub S, Bigio E, Geula C. Cortical cholinergic denervation in primary progressive aphasia with Alzheimer pathology. Neurology 2019; 92:e1580-e1588. [PMID: 30842294 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the status of the basal forebrain cholinergic system in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) as justification for cholinergic therapy. METHODS A cohort of 36 brains from PPA participants with the neuropathology of Alzheimer disease (PPA-AD, n = 14) or frontotemporal lobar degeneration (PPA-tau, n = 12; PPA-TDP, n = 10) were used for semiquantitative rating of degeneration and gliosis of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN). A subpopulation of 5 PPA-AD and 7 control brains underwent detailed analysis of BFCN pathology and cortical cholinergic axonal loss employing immunohistochemical and histochemical methods and stereologic analysis. RESULTS Semiquantitatively, 11 (∼80%) PPA-AD participants were rated as having moderate/severe BFCN loss and gliosis, whereas none of the PPA-tau and only 1 (10%) PPA-TDP participant received such a rating. Detailed analysis in the subpopulation of PPA-AD participants revealed substantial tangle formation, loss of BFCN, and degeneration of cortical cholinergic axons. Compared to controls, loss of p75 low affinity neurotrophin receptor-positive BFCN was detected in the PPA-AD participants (p < 0.01). Acetylcholinesterase-positive cholinergic axons in all cortical areas studied displayed loss in PPA-AD (p < 0.005-0.0001). The loss was more severe in the language-dominant left hemisphere and, within the left hemisphere, in language-affiliated cortical areas. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate prominent depletion of BFCN and cortical cholinergic axons in PPA-AD when compared with normal control or other neuropathologic variants of PPA. The demonstration of cholinergic denervation with an anatomy that fits the clinical picture suggests that cholinergic treatment is justified in patients with PPA who have positive AD biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-Marsel Mesulam
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Nava Lalehzari
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Farzan Rahmani
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Daniel Ohm
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Ryan Shahidehpour
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Garam Kim
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Tamar Gefen
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Eileen Bigio
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Changiz Geula
- From the Mesulam Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
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Abstract
The overall physiologic changes associated with aging lead to changes in both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic actions of many medications. This, in turn, leads to changes in the impact that a wide variety of medications have on older adults when compared to younger, healthy individuals. These pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variations can cause either lesser or greater than expected responses to medication. Knowledge of the physiologic changes that are expected to occur in the elderly can help to identify medications that may require dose adjustments or that should be avoided, due to increased risk in this population. As a general principle, medications should be started at lower doses in the elderly with slow titration schedules to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Tillmann
- Pharmacy Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Ashley Reich
- Pharmacy Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lake City, FL, United States
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Koola MM. Potential Role of Antipsychotic-Galantamine-Memantine Combination in the Treatment of Positive, Cognitive, and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2018; 4:134-148. [PMID: 30643787 PMCID: PMC6323397 DOI: 10.1159/000494495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is, in part, a cognitive illness. There are no approved medications for cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) and primary negative symptoms. Cholinergic and glutamatergic systems, alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α-7nACh) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, kynurenic acid (KYNA), and mismatch negativity have been implicated in the pathophysiology of CIAS and negative symptoms. Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that is also a positive allosteric modulator at the α4β2 and α7nACh receptors. Memantine is a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. Galantamine and memantine alone and in combination were effective for cognition in animals and people with Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this article is to critically dissect the published randomized controlled trials with galantamine and memantine for CIAS to highlight the efficacy signal. These studies may have failed to detect a clinically meaningful efficacy signal due to limitations, methodological issues, and possible medication nonadherence. There is evidence from a small open-label study that the galantamine-memantine combination may be effective for CIAS with kynurenine pathway metabolites as biomarkers to detect the severity of cognitive impairments. Given that there are no available treatments for cognitive impairments and primary negative symptoms in schizophrenia, testing of this "five-pronged strategy" (quintuple hypotheses: dopamine, nicotinic-cholinergic, glutamatergic/NMDA, GABA, and KYNA) is a "low-risk high-gain" approach that could be a major breakthrough in the field. The galantamine-memantine combination has the potential to treat positive, cognitive, and negative symptoms, and targeting the quintuple hypotheses concurrently may lead to a major scientific advancement - from antipsychotic treatment to antischizophrenia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maju Mathew Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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43
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Marshall CR, Hardy CJD, Volkmer A, Russell LL, Bond RL, Fletcher PD, Clark CN, Mummery CJ, Schott JM, Rossor MN, Fox NC, Crutch SJ, Rohrer JD, Warren JD. Primary progressive aphasia: a clinical approach. J Neurol 2018; 265:1474-1490. [PMID: 29392464 PMCID: PMC5990560 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The primary progressive aphasias are a heterogeneous group of focal 'language-led' dementias that pose substantial challenges for diagnosis and management. Here we present a clinical approach to the progressive aphasias, based on our experience of these disorders and directed at non-specialists. We first outline a framework for assessing language, tailored to the common presentations of progressive aphasia. We then consider the defining features of the canonical progressive nonfluent, semantic and logopenic aphasic syndromes, including 'clinical pearls' that we have found diagnostically useful and neuroanatomical and other key associations of each syndrome. We review potential diagnostic pitfalls and problematic presentations not well captured by conventional classifications and propose a diagnostic 'roadmap'. After outlining principles of management, we conclude with a prospect for future progress in these diseases, emphasising generic information processing deficits and novel pathophysiological biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Marshall
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Chris J D Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy L Russell
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rebecca L Bond
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Phillip D Fletcher
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Camilla N Clark
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Catherine J Mummery
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan M Schott
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Martin N Rossor
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sebastian J Crutch
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Murley AG, Rowe JB. Neurotransmitter deficits from frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Brain 2018; 141:1263-1285. [PMID: 29373632 PMCID: PMC5917782 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration causes a spectrum of complex degenerative disorders including frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome, each of which is associated with changes in the principal neurotransmitter systems. We review the evidence for these neurochemical changes and propose that they contribute to symptomatology of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, over and above neuronal loss and atrophy. Despite the development of disease-modifying therapies, aiming to slow neuropathological progression, it remains important to advance symptomatic treatments to reduce the disease burden and improve patients' and carers' quality of life. We propose that targeting the selective deficiencies in neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid is an important strategy towards this goal. We summarize the current evidence-base for pharmacological treatments and suggest strategies to improve the development of new, effective pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Murley
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences Institute, University of Cambridge, Sir William Hardy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
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Young JJ, Lavakumar M, Tampi D, Balachandran S, Tampi RR. Frontotemporal dementia: latest evidence and clinical implications. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2018; 8:33-48. [PMID: 29344342 PMCID: PMC5761910 DOI: 10.1177/2045125317739818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a cluster of neurocognitive syndromes that present with impairment of executive functioning, changes in behavior, and a decrease in language proficiency. FTD is the second most common form of dementia in those younger than 65 years and is expected to increase in prevalence as the population ages. This goal in our review is to describe advances in the understanding of neurobiological pathology, classification, assessment, and treatment of FTD syndromes. METHODS PubMed was searched to obtain reviews and studies that pertain to advancements in genetics, neurobiology, neuroimaging, classification, and treatment of FTD syndromes. Articles were chosen with a predilection to more recent preclinical/clinical trials and systematic reviews. RESULTS Recent reviews and trials indicate a significant advancement in the understanding of molecular and neurobiological clinical correlates to variants of FTD. Genetic and histopathologic markers have only recently been discovered in the past decade. Current therapeutic modalities are limited, with most studies reporting improvement in symptoms with nonpharmacological interventions. However, a small number of studies have reported improvement of behavioral symptoms with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. Stimulants may help with disinhibition, apathy, and risk-taking behavior. Memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors have not demonstrated efficacy in ameliorating FTD symptoms. Antipsychotics have been used to treat agitation and psychosis, but safety concerns and side effect profiles limit utilization in the general FTD population. Nevertheless, recent breakthroughs in the understanding of FTD pathology have led to developments in pharmacological interventions that focus on producing treatments with autoimmune, genetic, and molecular targets. CONCLUSION FTD is an underdiagnosed group of neurological syndromes comprising multiple variants with distinct neurobiological profiles and presentations. Recent advances suggest there is an array of potential novel therapeutic targets, although data concerning their effectiveness are still preliminary or preclinical. Further studies are required to develop pharmacological interventions, as there are currently no US Food and Drug administration approved treatments to manage FTD syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Joseph Young
- Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mallika Lavakumar
- Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Deena Tampi
- Mercy Regional Medical Center, 3700 Kolbe Rd, Lorain, OH 44053, USA
| | - Silpa Balachandran
- Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rajesh R Tampi
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
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46
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Clinical and biological phenotypes of frontotemporal dementia: Perspectives for disease modifying therapies. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 817:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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47
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Gerstenecker A. The Neuropsychology (Broadly Conceived) of Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Corticobasal Degeneration. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2017; 32:861-875. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acx093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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48
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Fisher TJ, Schwartz AC, Greenspan HN, Heinrich TW. Dementia: A complex disease with multiple etiologies and multiple treatments. Int J Psychiatry Med 2017; 51:171-81. [PMID: 26941207 DOI: 10.1177/0091217416636579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As the population of the United States ages, the rates of dementia are also likely to increase. Clinicians will, therefore, likely be asked to evaluate and treat an escalating number of patients experiencing a decline in multiple domains of cognitive function, which is the hallmark of neurocognitive disorders. It is also probable that clinicians will be confronted with management dilemmas related to the myriad of psychological and behavioral problems that often occur as a consequence of the neurocognitive impairment. In fact, these behavioral and psychological issues might be the initial symptoms that lead the patient to present to the clinician. Dementia has multiple potential etiologies, and a careful diagnostic assessment is imperative to best characterize the specific type of dementia impacting the patient. This is important, as knowing the type of dementia helps the clinician choose the most effective treatment. Potential treatments should be interdisciplinary in scope, patient/family-centered, and may include both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis J Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ann C Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Heather N Greenspan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas W Heinrich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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49
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Buoli M, Serati M, Caldiroli A, Galimberti D, Scarpini E, Altamura AC. Pharmacological Management of Psychiatric Symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Systematic Review. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2017; 30:162-169. [PMID: 28351199 DOI: 10.1177/0891988717700506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are highly prevalent and may complicate clinical management of these patients. Purpose of the present article is to present and discuss available data about the pharmacological treatment of psychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD. A research in the main database sources has been conducted to obtain an overview of the pharmacological management of psychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD. The search strategy included the following terms-"FTD and psychiatry," "FTD and behavioural disturbances," and "FTD and treatment". Pathophysiology of psychiatric symptoms in FTD is different from other types of dementia. Although drugs for Alzheimer disease appear to be ineffective for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms of FTD, preliminary evidence supports a possible usefulness of serotonergic antidepressants for these patients. Data are too scanty to draw definitive conclusions, but antidepressant treatment, particularly with serotonergic compounds, may improve psychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD. Large observational studies are needed to confirm this preliminary evidence, and a lot of effort and collaboration between neurologists and psychiatrists will be definitely crucial for future research of effective treatments for FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Buoli
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Serati
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Caldiroli
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- 2 Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- 2 Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfredo Carlo Altamura
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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50
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Sawyer RP, Rodriguez-Porcel F, Hagen M, Shatz R, Espay AJ. Diagnosing the frontal variant of Alzheimer's disease: a clinician's yellow brick road. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MOVEMENT DISORDERS 2017; 4:2. [PMID: 28265458 PMCID: PMC5333400 DOI: 10.1186/s40734-017-0052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Disruption of the frontal lobes and its associated networks are a common consequence of neurodegenerative disorders. Given the wide range of cognitive, behavioral and motor processes in which the frontal lobes are involved, there can be a great variety of manifestations depending on the pathology distribution. The most common are the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and the frontal variant of Alzheimer’s disease (fvAD), which are particularly challenging to disentangle. Recognizing fvAD from bvFTD-related pathologies is a diagnostic challenge and a critical need in the management and counseling of these patients. Case presentation Here we present three pathology-proven cases of Alzheimer’s disease initially misdiagnosed as bvFTD and discuss the distinctive or less overlapping historical, examination, and laboratory findings of fvAD and bvFTD, deriving analogies for mnemonic endurance from the Wizard of Oz worldview. Conclusion The Yellow Brick Road to diagnosing these disorders may be served by the metaphor of fvAD as the irritable, paranoid, and tremulous Scarecrow and bvFTD the heartless, ritualistic, and rigid Tin Man. An Oz-inspired creative license may help the clinician recognize the differential disease progression, caregiver burden, and treatment response of fvAD compared with bvFTD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40734-017-0052-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell P Sawyer
- Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA
| | - Federico Rodriguez-Porcel
- Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA.,UC Memory Disorders Center, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA.,Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA
| | - Matthew Hagen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219-0533 USA
| | - Rhonna Shatz
- Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA.,UC Memory Disorders Center, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA.,Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219 USA
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