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Ozzoude M, Varriano B, Beaton D, Ramirez J, Adamo S, Holmes MF, Scott CJM, Gao F, Sunderland KM, McLaughlin P, Goubran M, Kwan D, Roberts A, Bartha R, Symons S, Tan B, Swartz RH, Abrahao A, Saposnik G, Masellis M, Lang AE, Marras C, Zinman L, Shoesmith C, Borrie M, Fischer CE, Frank A, Freedman M, Montero-Odasso M, Kumar S, Pasternak S, Strother SC, Pollock BG, Rajji TK, Seitz D, Tang-Wai DF, Turnbull J, Dowlatshahi D, Hassan A, Casaubon L, Mandzia J, Sahlas D, Breen DP, Grimes D, Jog M, Steeves TDL, Arnott SR, Black SE, Finger E, Rabin J, Tartaglia MC. White matter hyperintensities and smaller cortical thickness are associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:114. [PMID: 37340319 PMCID: PMC10280981 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01257-y] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a core feature of most neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. White matter hyperintensities and brain atrophy have been implicated in NPS. We aimed to investigate the relative contribution of white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness to NPS in participants across neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. METHODS Five hundred thirteen participants with one of these conditions, i.e. Alzheimer's Disease/Mild Cognitive Impairment, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Frontotemporal Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, or Cerebrovascular Disease, were included in the study. NPS were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory - Questionnaire and grouped into hyperactivity, psychotic, affective, and apathy subsyndromes. White matter hyperintensities were quantified using a semi-automatic segmentation technique and FreeSurfer cortical thickness was used to measure regional grey matter loss. RESULTS Although NPS were frequent across the five disease groups, participants with frontotemporal dementia had the highest frequency of hyperactivity, apathy, and affective subsyndromes compared to other groups, whilst psychotic subsyndrome was high in both frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson's disease. Results from univariate and multivariate results showed that various predictors were associated with neuropsychiatric subsyndromes, especially cortical thickness in the inferior frontal, cingulate, and insula regions, sex(female), global cognition, and basal ganglia-thalamus white matter hyperintensities. CONCLUSIONS In participants with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases, our results suggest that smaller cortical thickness and white matter hyperintensity burden in several cortical-subcortical structures may contribute to the development of NPS. Further studies investigating the mechanisms that determine the progression of NPS in various neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miracle Ozzoude
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, 6th floor 6KD-407, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
- L.C. Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda Varriano
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, 6th floor 6KD-407, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Derek Beaton
- Data Science & Advanced Analytic, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joel Ramirez
- L.C. Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina Adamo
- Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa F Holmes
- L.C. Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher J M Scott
- L.C. Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- L.C. Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Maged Goubran
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donna Kwan
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Roberts
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Bartha
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sean Symons
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Tan
- Rotman Research Institute of Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard H Swartz
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Agessandro Abrahao
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gustavo Saposnik
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edmond J Safra Program for Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorder Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Connie Marras
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edmond J Safra Program for Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorder Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christen Shoesmith
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Borrie
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Corinne E Fischer
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Frank
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Morris Freedman
- Rotman Research Institute of Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Manuel Montero-Odasso
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawsone Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Adult Neurodevelopment and Geriatric Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Pasternak
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen C Strother
- Rotman Research Institute of Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bruce G Pollock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Adult Neurodevelopment and Geriatric Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Adult Neurodevelopment and Geriatric Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dallas Seitz
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David F Tang-Wai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Turnbull
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Dar Dowlatshahi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ayman Hassan
- Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Leanne Casaubon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Mandzia
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Demetrios Sahlas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - David P Breen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Grimes
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mandar Jog
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas D L Steeves
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen R Arnott
- Rotman Research Institute of Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- L.C. Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rabin
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, 6th floor 6KD-407, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Keszycki R, Kawles A, Minogue G, Zouridakis A, Macomber A, Gill N, Vu M, Zhang H, Coventry C, Rogalski E, Weintraub S, Mesulam MM, Geula C, Gefen T. Distinct and shared neuropsychiatric phenotypes in FTLD-tauopathies. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1164581. [PMID: 37358954 PMCID: PMC10289868 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1164581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with tau pathology (FTLD-tau) commonly causes dementia syndromes that include primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Cognitive decline in PPA and bvFTD is often accompanied by debilitating neuropsychiatric symptoms. In 44 participants with PPA or bvFTD due to autopsy-confirmed FTLD-tau, we characterized neuropsychiatric symptoms at early and late disease stages and determined whether the presence of certain symptoms predicted a specific underlying FTLD-tauopathy. Participants completed annual research visits at the Northwestern University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. All participants had an initial Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale score ≤ 2, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated via the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q). We assessed the frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms across all participants at their initial and final visits and performed logistic regression to determine whether symptoms predicted a specific FTLD-tau pathologic diagnosis. Across the FTLD-tau cohort, irritability and apathy were most frequently endorsed at initial and final visits, respectively, whereas psychosis was highly uncommon at both timepoints. Irritability at initial visit predicted greater odds of a 4-repeat compared to a 3-repeat tauopathy (OR = 3.95, 95% CI = 1.10-15.83, p < 0.05). Initial sleep disturbance predicted greater odds of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) compared to other FTLD-tau subtypes (OR = 10.68, 95% CI = 2.05-72.40, p < 0.01). Appetite disturbance at final evaluation predicted lower odds of PSP (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.02-0.74, p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that characterization of neuropsychiatric symptoms can aid in the prediction of underlying FTLD-tauopathies. Given considerable pathologic heterogeneity underlying dementias, neuropsychiatric symptoms may be useful for differential diagnosis and treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Keszycki
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Allegra Kawles
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Grace Minogue
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Antonia Zouridakis
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alyssa Macomber
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nathan Gill
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - My Vu
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hui Zhang
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christina Coventry
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily Rogalski
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - M-Marsel Mesulam
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Changiz Geula
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tamar Gefen
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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3
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Douglas JT. My experience of living with nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia: Challenges, compensatory strategies and adaptations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 58:542-554. [PMID: 36239167 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a rare neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by declining language ability. There is currently no way to reverse or slow the course of the progressive brain degeneration, nor is there a cure for PPA. Throughout the course of the disease, any treatment must therefore be palliative in nature and should be designed to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life of the affected person. There is little information in the medical literature about strategies to make meaningful improvements to the quality of life of people with PPA written from the perspective of those living with this condition. AIMS I have a clinical diagnosis of the nonfluent/agrammatic variant of PPA (nfvPPA), supported by imaging. In this report I discuss my experience of the progressive loss of language and communication skills, and detail the challenges I have been facing. I also describe how my quality of life has been enhanced by the early initiation of treatment focusing on communication strategies targeted to my specific impairments and designed to support my individual interests and goals. METHODS & PROCEDURES I was fortunate to obtain an early diagnosis from a cognitive neurologist experienced with PPA. From the onset of my language difficulties, I have received excellent personalized care from a multidisciplinary medical team including speech-language pathologists, a cognitive neurologist and other doctors. MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS My life during the early stage of nfvPPA has been enriched by personalized care focused on supporting the particular activities, interests and goals that are most important and meaningful to me. As my disease has progressed, I have benefited from an evolving range of strategies and adaptations targeted to the specific deficits in the areas of speaking, writing and reading that I have been facing at any given time. In addition, I have adopted methods to enhance the benefit of these language-directed strategies. And I have been employing evidence-based approaches that improve general brain health and thereby indirectly support my language. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS My experience represents a model for the personalized care of people in the early stage of nfvPPA. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject There is minimal information in the medical literature describing the subjective experience of a person with PPA. There is little information in the medical literature about strategies to make meaningful improvements to the quality of life of people in the early stage of PPA. What this paper adds to existing knowledge I have a clinical diagnosis of nfvPPA, supported by imaging. In this paper I give a first-person account of my experience of the progressive loss of language and communication skills, and I detail the challenges I have been facing. I describe how my quality of life during the early stage of nfvPPA has been enhanced by an evolving range of strategies and adaptations tailored to my speech and language deficits as they have arisen. These compensatory strategies have focused on supporting the particular activities, interests and goals that are most important and meaningful to me. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The description of my subjective experience of the progressive loss of language and communication skills offers insight for speech-language pathologists, neurologists and other professionals involved in the clinical care of people in the early stage of nfvPPA. My experience represents a model for the personalized clinical care of people in the early stage of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne T Douglas
- Volunteer, Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Roy ARK, Datta S, Hardy E, Sturm VE, Kramer JH, Seeley WW, Rankin KP, Rosen HJ, Miller BL, Perry DC. Behavioural subphenotypes and their anatomic correlates in neurodegenerative disease. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad038. [PMID: 36910420 PMCID: PMC9999361 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad038] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with neurodegenerative disorders experience a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The neural correlates have been explored for many individual symptoms, such as apathy and disinhibition. Atrophy patterns have also been associated with broadly recognized syndromes that bring together multiple symptoms, such as the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia. There is substantial heterogeneity of symptoms, with partial overlap of behaviour and affected neuroanatomy across and within dementia subtypes. It is not well established if there are anatomically distinct behavioural subphenotypes in neurodegenerative disease. The objective of this study was to identify shared behavioural profiles in frontotemporal dementia-spectrum and Alzheimer's disease-related syndromes. Additionally, we sought to determine the underlying neural correlates of these symptom clusters. Two hundred and eighty-one patients diagnosed with one of seven different dementia syndromes, in addition to healthy controls and individuals with mild cognitive impairment, completed a 109-item assessment capturing the severity of a range of clinical behaviours. A principal component analysis captured distinct clusters of related behaviours. Voxel-based morphometry analyses were used to identify regions of volume loss associated with each component. Seven components were identified and interpreted as capturing the following behaviours: Component 1-emotional bluntness, 2-emotional lability and disinhibition, 3-neuroticism, 4-rigidity and impatience, 5-indiscriminate consumption, 6-psychosis and 7-Geschwind syndrome-related behaviours. Correlations with structural brain volume revealed distinct neuroanatomical patterns associated with each component, including after controlling for diagnosis, suggesting that localized neurodegeneration can lead to the development of behavioural symptom clusters across various dementia syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin R K Roy
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Samir Datta
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Emily Hardy
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Virginia E Sturm
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco 94143, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Katherine P Rankin
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Howard J Rosen
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
| | - David C Perry
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94158, USA
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Addition of the FTD Module to the Neuropsychiatric Inventory improves classification of frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorders. J Neurol 2023; 270:2674-2687. [PMID: 36811680 PMCID: PMC10129920 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11596-3] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Most neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) common in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are currently not part of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). We piloted an FTD Module that included eight extra items to be used in conjunction with the NPI. Caregivers of patients with behavioural variant FTD (n = 49), primary progressive aphasia (PPA; n = 52), Alzheimer's dementia (AD; n = 41), psychiatric disorders (n = 18), presymptomatic mutation carriers (n = 58) and controls (n = 58) completed the NPI and FTD Module. We investigated (concurrent and construct) validity, factor structure and internal consistency of the NPI and FTD Module. We performed group comparisons on item prevalence, mean item and total NPI and NPI with FTD Module scores, and multinomial logistic regression to determine its classification abilities. We extracted four components, together explaining 64.1% of the total variance, of which the largest indicated the underlying dimension 'frontal-behavioural symptoms'. Whilst apathy (original NPI) occurred most frequently in AD, logopenic and non-fluent variant PPA, the most common NPS in behavioural variant FTD and semantic variant PPA were loss of sympathy/empathy and poor response to social/emotional cues (part of FTD Module). Patients with primary psychiatric disorders and behavioural variant FTD showed the most severe behavioural problems on both the NPI as well as the NPI with FTD Module. The NPI with FTD Module correctly classified more FTD patients than the NPI alone. By quantifying common NPS in FTD the NPI with FTD Module has large diagnostic potential. Future studies should investigate whether it can also prove a useful addition to the NPI in therapeutic trials.
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Kapustin D, Zarei S, Wang W, Binns MA, McLaughlin PM, Abrahao A, Black SE, Borrie M, Breen D, Casaubon L, Dowlatshahi D, Finger E, Fischer CE, Frank A, Freedman M, Grimes D, Hassan A, Jog M, Kwan D, Lang A, Levine B, Mandzia J, Marras C, Masellis M, Orange JB, Pasternak S, Peltsch A, Pollock BG, Rajji TK, Roberts A, Sahlas D, Saposnik G, Seitz D, Shoesmith C, Southwell A, Steeves TDL, Sunderland K, Swartz RH, Tan B, Tang-Wai DF, Tartaglia MC, Troyer A, Turnbull J, Zinman L, Kumar S. Neuropsychiatric Symptom Burden across Neurodegenerative Disorders and its Association with Function. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:347-358. [PMID: 36637224 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221147443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are prevalent in neurodegenerative disorders, however, their frequency and impact on function across different disorders is not well understood. We compared the frequency and severity of NPS across Alzheimer's disease (AD) (either with mild cognitive impairment or dementia), Cerebrovascular disease (CVD), Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and explored the association between NPS burden and function. METHODS We obtained data from Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative (ONDRI) that included following cohorts: AD (N = 111), CVD (N = 148), PD (N = 136), FTD (N = 50) and ALS (N = 36). We compared the frequency and severity of individual NPS (assessed by the neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire) across cohorts using generalized estimating equations and analysis of variance. Second, we assessed the relationship of NPS burden with instrumental (iADLs) and basic (ADLs) activities of living across cohorts using multivariate linear regression while adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical covariates. RESULTS Frequency of NPS varied across cohorts (χ2(4) = 34.4, p < .001), with post-hoc tests showing that FTD had the greatest frequency as compared to all other cohorts. The FTD cohort also had the greatest severity of NPS (H(4) = 34.5, p < .001). Further, there were differences among cohorts in terms of the association between NPS burden and ADLs (F(4,461) = 3.1, p = 0.02). Post-hoc comparisons suggested that this finding was driven by the FTD group, however, the differences did not remain significant following Bonferroni correction. There were no differences among cohorts in terms of the association between NPS burden and IADLs. CONCLUSIONS NPS frequency and severity are markedly greater in FTD as compared to other neurodegenerative diseases. Further, NPS burden appears to be associated differently with function across neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the need for individualized clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kapustin
- 7938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,7978Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shadi Zarei
- 7938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,7978Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Wang
- 7978Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Malcolm A Binns
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Agessandro Abrahao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 71545Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 71545Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - David Breen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Leanna Casaubon
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dar Dowlatshahi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Institute and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Corinne E Fischer
- 7938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michaels Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Frank
- 6363University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,152971Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Morris Freedman
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Grimes
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Institute and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ayman Hassan
- Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, 26627Northern Ontario School of Medicine, ON, Canada
| | - Mandar Jog
- University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Donna Kwan
- 4257Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony Lang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disesase and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Levine
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Connie Marras
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disesase and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 71545Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph B Orange
- Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, Western University, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Pasternak
- University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute and the Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bruce G Pollock
- 7938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,7978Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- 7938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,7978Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela Roberts
- School of Communication, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Gustavo Saposnik
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dallas Seitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christen Shoesmith
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Thomas D L Steeves
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,6363University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kelly Sunderland
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard H Swartz
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,71545Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Tan
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David F Tang-Wai
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network Memory Clinic, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Troyer
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health Program, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lorne Zinman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 71545Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sanjeev Kumar
- 7938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,7978Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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7
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Prent N, Jonker FA, Schouws SNTM, Jonker C. The risk of criminal behavior in the elderly and patients with neurodegenerative disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:181-196. [PMID: 37633709 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral changes are commonly observed in patients with dementia and can lead to criminal offenses, even without a history of criminal or antisocial behavior. Due to the growth of the aging population, this poses a rising problem to deal with for the criminal justice system and in general for society. Criminal behavior may include minor crimes such as theft or traffic violations, but also serious crimes such as physical abuse, sexual offense, or murder. In the assessment of criminal behavior among elderly (first-time) offenders, it is important to be aware of possible neurodegenerative diseases at the time of the crime. This book chapter provides an overview on criminal behavior in the elderly and specifically discusses existing literature on patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease, and Huntington disease. Each section is introduced by a true case to illustrate how the presence of a neurodegenerative disease may affect the criminal judgment. The chapter ends with a summary, multifactorial model of crime risk, future perspectives, and concluding remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Prent
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Section Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Altrecht Mental Health Institute, Woerden, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank A Jonker
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Section Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Altrecht Mental Health Institute, Woerden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cees Jonker
- Department Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Seckin M, Yıldırım E, Demir İ, Orhun Ö, Bülbül E, Velioğlu HA, Öktem Ö, Yeşilot N, Çoban O, Gürvit H. Neuropsychiatric outcomes and caregiver distress in primary progressive aphasia. Psychogeriatrics 2023; 23:52-62. [PMID: 36273493 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to outline the neuropsychiatric consequences of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and to understand how neuropsychiatric symptomatology affects distress in caregivers. METHODS The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) including the distress index (NPI-Distress) was used. Additional information about the caregiver burden was obtained using Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). NPI, NPI-Distress, and ZBI data from 17 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PPA were compared with 10 stroke aphasia patients. Neuropsychiatric symptomatology was investigated based on three clusters; Mood, Frontal/Comportmental, and Psychotic/Disruptive. Additionally, the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ) was used to outline the functional impairment. Twelve healthy controls were included to compare the neurocognitive test scores with PPA and stroke aphasia groups. RESULTS A greater number of neuropsychiatric symptoms were observed in the PPA group compared to the stroke aphasia group. The number of symptoms in Mood, and Frontal/Comportmental clusters were greater than the number of symptoms in Psychotic/Disruptive clusters in the PPA group, whereas no significant relationship between the number of symptoms and symptom clusters was found in the stroke aphasia group. In the PPA group, a strong correlation was found between the NPI-Frequency × Severity scores and the NPI-Distress scores. Moreover, the NPI-Distress scores in the PPA group strongly correlated with the ZBI scores. Scores for anxiety, irritability/lability, and apathy had a stronger correlation with the NPI-Distress scores compared to the other NPI symptoms. The Communication subscale was the most impaired domain in the PPA group. Travel, and Employment and Recreation subscales showed greater functional impairment in the stroke aphasia group compared to the PPA group. CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychiatric symptoms in PPA in our study were more frequent than previously reported. Furthermore, the distress index of the NPI was not only correlated with the severity of the neuropsychiatric symptoms but also reflected the overall burden on the caregivers in the PPA group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Seckin
- Department of Neurology, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Neurology Research Lab, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Yıldırım
- Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Işık University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlayda Demir
- Department of Neuroscience, Istanbul University Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Hulusi Behçet Life Sciences Center, Neuroimaging Lab, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Orhun
- Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Neurology Research Lab, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Bülbül
- Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Neurology Research Lab, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - H Aziz Velioğlu
- Health Sciences and Technology Research Institute (SABITA), Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), functional Imaging and Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience Lab (fINCAN), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Öget Öktem
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilüfer Yeşilot
- Department of Neurology, Edip Aktin Stroke Unit, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oğuzhan Çoban
- Department of Neurology, Edip Aktin Stroke Unit, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gürvit
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Patel D, Andersen S, Smith K, Ritter A. Completed Suicide by Firearm in an Individual With the Agrammatic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia: Case Report. Front Neurol 2022; 13:828155. [PMID: 35370921 PMCID: PMC8965452 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.828155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The agrammatic or nonfluent variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA) is a form of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) that is characterized by progressive language dysfunction, poor sentence construction, and low verbal fluency. Individuals with nfvPPA have intact insight into their decline, which may manifest as frustration and hopelessness, and show signs of impulsivity and disinhibition. Little is known about suicide risk in this patient population. Here we describe a case of an 84 year-old male with nfvPPA who, over the course of his care, experienced a decline in language and motoric functioning which coincided with increasing irritability and impulsivity. Despite this significant decline, he denied depressive symptoms or showed any suicidal tendencies, and he seemed to be looking forward to future events. His suicide, committed with a handgun during what appeared to be a rather innocuous trip to the garage, came as a significant shock to his spouse, family, and his clinical care team. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of completed suicide in a patient with the nfvPPA subtype of FTD. Though this patient demonstrated demographic risk factors for suicide (advanced age, retired military veteran with easy access to firearms) there is a lack of data regarding how FTD may have contributed. Retained insight especially seems to be a risk factor for suicide across all forms of dementia. Impulsivity may be key when considering suicidality amongst FTD patients. Additionally, this case demonstrates the importance of addressing gun safety as there are few guidelines around gun ownership in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepal Patel
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Shaun Andersen
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Kyler Smith
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Aaron Ritter
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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10
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Morrow CB, Leoutsakos JMS, Onyike CU. Functional Disabilities and Psychiatric Symptoms in Primary Progressive Aphasia. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:372-382. [PMID: 34412935 PMCID: PMC9103777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to describe the chronology of functional disabilities in primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and to examine associations between psychiatric comorbidities and functional disabilities. METHODS We conducted a retrospective data analysis using subjects enrolled at Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers between 2005 and 2019. Data were obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database. We included subjects whose primary diagnosis was PPA. Functional status was coded as a binary variable for the following functions: ambulation, transaction skills, verbal communication, meal preparation, and self-care. Behavioral data derived from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and cox proportional hazard analyses were used to characterize the emergence of disabilities and their association with psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS Data included 91 subjects with a clinical dementia rating scale of zero at baseline. At the initial visit, no individuals had impairments in self-care, while 7% had impairments in transactions, 3% in ambulation, and 2% in meal preparation. Ninety-three percent had language impairments at the onset of the study, and all by visit 4. By visit 5, 41% of patients had impairments in ambulation and in self-care, 49% were impaired in meal preparation and 70% had impairment in transactions. The presence of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and psychosis were all significantly associated with an increased risk for multiple functional disabilities. CONCLUSION These findings provide clinicians with guidance for forecasting disabilities and targeting interventions in PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Morrow
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns University Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeannie-Marie Sheppard Leoutsakos
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns University Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Chiadi U. Onyike
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns University Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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11
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Schaffer KM, Henry ML. Counseling and Care Partner Training in Primary Progressive Aphasia. PERSPECTIVES OF THE ASHA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS 2021; 6:1015-1025. [PMID: 35935167 PMCID: PMC9351599 DOI: 10.1044/2021_persp-20-00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) experience loss of communication abilities in the context of neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, many individuals with PPA endorse negative psychosocial effects, including social isolation, reduced communication confidence, and depression. Incorporating communication-centered counseling early and often within the speech-language pathology treatment framework is a vital component in holistically addressing the multifaceted ramifications of living with this devastating disorder. Additionally, care partners are key stakeholders in the treatment dynamic. Involving these individuals in the treatment paradigm through care partner training is crucial for facilitating optimal communication in daily life. The purpose of this narrative literature review is to discuss existing research regarding counseling and care partner training in PPA and to outline additional treatment considerations and future research needs in this understudied area. CONCLUSIONS Relative to studies that delineate restitutive speech-language interventions for PPA, the literature pertaining to counseling and care partner training is limited. Available evidence supports the utility of these approaches, which serve as complementary components to restitutive and compensatory speech-language intervention. Additional research is warranted to support generalizability and long-term benefit of these interventions, and to address facets of counseling and care partner training that have not been explored in PPA (e.g., counseling interventions drawing from specific psychotherapeutic traditions; multicultural counseling) or have only been explored to a limited degree (e.g., interventions that jointly provide counseling and partner training).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Schaffer
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Maya L. Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
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12
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Radakovic R, Colville S, Cranley D, Starr JM, Pal S, Abrahams S. Multidimensional Apathy in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and Alzheimer Disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2021; 34:349-356. [PMID: 32410488 PMCID: PMC8326892 DOI: 10.1177/0891988720924716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apathy is prevalent in dementia, such as behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and Alzheimer disease (AD). As a multidimensional construct, it can be assessed and subsumed under a Dimensional Apathy Framework. A consistent apathy profile in bvFTD and PPA has yet to be established. The aim was to explore apathy profiles and awareness in bvFTD, PPA, and AD. A total of 12 patients with bvFTD, 12 patients with PPA, 28 patients with AD, and 20 matched controls, as well as their informants/carers, were recruited. All participants completed the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS), assessing executive, emotional, and initiation apathy subtypes, a 1-dimensional apathy measure, depression measure, and functional and cognitive screens. Apathy subtype awareness was determined through DAS informant/carer and self-rating discrepancy. Apathy profile comparison showed patients with bvFTD had significantly higher emotional apathy than patients with AD (P < .01) and significantly higher apathy over all subtypes than patients with PPA (Ps < .05). Additionally, patients with bvFTD had significantly lower awareness for emotional apathy (P < .01) when compared to patients with AD and PPA. All patient groups had significant global apathy over all subtypes compared to controls. The emergent apathy profile for bvFTD seems to be emotional apathy (indifference or emotional/affective neutrality), with lower self-awareness in this subtype. Further, lower self-awareness for executive apathy (lack of motivation for planning, organization, or attention) differentiates bvFTD from PPA. Future research should investigate the cognitive and neural correlates as well as the practical impact of apathy subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratko Radakovic
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Ratko Radakovic, University of East Anglia Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom. Emails: ;
| | - Shuna Colville
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Denise Cranley
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John M. Starr
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Deceased
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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13
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Douglas JT. Development of a Palliative Care Approach for Primary Progressive Aphasia: My Experience as a Person Living With This Rare Disorder. J Palliat Care 2021:8258597211026711. [PMID: 34210214 DOI: 10.1177/08258597211026711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal disorders are a group of rare young-onset dementias for which there is no cure, nor is there any way to slow the underlying progressive brain degeneration. To date those affected have typically received very little, if any, follow-up care after diagnosis, particularly in the early stages of their disease. I have received a clinical diagnosis, supported by imaging, of primary progressive aphasia, a form of frontotemporal degeneration characterized in the initial phase by progressive impairment of language ability. From the onset, I have been fortunate to receive excellent ongoing palliative care from a multidisciplinary team, some of whom had never previously seen anyone with this disorder. My quality of life has been enhanced by an evolving range of creative strategies and adaptations targeted to my deficits as they have arisen. In this paper, I discuss my experience of the process underlying this personalized plan, which serves as a paradigm for the development of novel palliative care approaches for people living with rare disorders, both neurodegenerative diseases and other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne T Douglas
- Volunteer, Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
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14
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Peet BT, Castro-Suarez S, Miller BL. The Neuropsychiatric Features of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:17-31. [PMID: 33433866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a syndrome defined by a set of core clinical criteria, which include disinhibition; apathy or inertia; loss of sympathy or empathy; perseverative, stereotyped, or compulsive/ritualistic behavior; and hyperorality. The clinical features of bvFTD overlap substantially with those of psychiatric disease, particularly major depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder. The similarities between bvFTD and primary psychiatric disease results in a significant diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Understanding the neuropsychiatric aspects of bvFTD may assist in differentiating bvFTD from a primary psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley T Peet
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Sheila Castro-Suarez
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at UCSF and clinical researcher Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas (INCN), Lima, Peru
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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15
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Shdo SM, Ranasinghe KG, Sturm VE, Possin KL, Bettcher BM, Stephens ML, Foley JM, You SCC, Rosen HJ, Miller BL, Kramer JH, Rankin KP. Depressive Symptom Profiles Predict Specific Neurodegenerative Disease Syndromes in Early Stages. Front Neurol 2020; 11:446. [PMID: 32547476 PMCID: PMC7273507 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: During early stages, patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDG) often present with depressive symptoms. However, because depression is a heterogeneous disorder, more precise delineation of the specific depressive symptom profiles that arise early in distinct NDG syndromes is necessary to enhance patient diagnosis and care. Methods and Findings: Five-hundred and sixty four participants self-reported their depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), including 111 healthy older control subjects (NC) and 453 patients diagnosed with one of six NDGs who were at the mild stage of disease (CDR® Dementia Staging Instrument ≤ 1) [186 Alzheimer's disease (AD), 76 behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), 52 semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), 46 non-fluent variant PPA (nfvPPA), 49 progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome (PSPS), 44 corticobasal syndrome (CBS)]. The GDS was divided into subscales based on a previously published factor analysis, representing five symptoms (dysphoria, hopelessness, withdrawal, worry, and cognitive concerns). Mixed models were created to examine differences in depression subscale by group, and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine if patterns of depressive symptoms could predict a patient's NDG syndrome. PSPS patients presented with a hopeless, dysphoric, and withdrawn pattern, while patients with CBS presented with a similar but less severe pattern. Worry was a key symptom in the profile of patients with svPPA, while ADs only had abnormally elevated cognitive concerns. Depressive profile accurately predicted NDG diagnosis at a rate of between 70 and 84% accuracy. Conclusions: These results suggest that attention to specific depressive symptom profile can improve diagnostic sensitivity and can be used to provide more individualized patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. Shdo
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Kamalini G. Ranasinghe
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Virginia E. Sturm
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Katherine L. Possin
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Brianne M. Bettcher
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Melanie L. Stephens
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jessica M. Foley
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shou-Chin Christine You
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Howard J. Rosen
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bruce L. Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joel H. Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Katherine P. Rankin
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Douglas JT. My experience of living with nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia: Adaptations and strategies to improve quality of life. DEMENTIA 2020; 20:936-951. [DOI: 10.1177/1471301220918344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia is a major clinical presentation of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and is a young-onset disorder characterized by deteriorating language skills. There is currently no cure for primary progressive aphasia, nor is it possible to slow the course of the underlying progressive brain degeneration. Hence the chief goal of treatment is palliative. Although the inability to employ language at one’s previous level represents a significant functional impairment for those affected, there is a dearth of information about how to make meaningful improvements to the quality of life of people in the early stages of primary progressive aphasia. I have a clinical diagnosis, supported by imaging, of the nonfluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia and am under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team. This report is based on my ongoing experience and describes the development and implementation of an evolving set of targeted strategies and adaptations designed to enhance the quality of life of a person in the early stages of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne T Douglas
- Volunteer, Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
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17
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Keator LM, Wright AE, Saxena S, Kim K, Demsky C, Sebastian R, Sheppard SM, Breining B, Hillis AE, Tippett DC. Distinguishing logopenic from semantic & nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia: Patterns of linguistic and behavioral correlations. Neurocase 2019; 25:98-105. [PMID: 31164050 PMCID: PMC9677583 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2019.1625929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
While language characteristics of logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) are well-defined, behavioral characteristics are less understood. We investigated correlations between language and behavioral scores across three variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and found language performance and behavioral disturbances are correlated in lvPPA, but not other PPA subtypes. Results suggest that unlike other PPA variants, patients diagnosed with lvPPA do not develop negative behaviors until language deficits are severe. This is consistent with the underlying neuropathology of lvPPA, Alzheimer's Disease. Such findings are crucial to clinical prognosis, especially when considering the progressive nature of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey M Keator
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Amy E Wright
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Sadhvi Saxena
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Kevin Kim
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Cornelia Demsky
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Rajani Sebastian
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Shannon M Sheppard
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Bonnie Breining
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Argye E Hillis
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA.,b Department of Cognitive Science , Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA.,c Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Donna C Tippett
- a Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA.,c Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA.,d Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
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18
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Midorikawa A, Kumfor F, Leyton CE, Foxe D, Landin-Romero R, Hodges JR, Piguet O. Characterisation of "Positive" Behaviours in Primary Progressive Aphasias. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2018; 44:119-128. [PMID: 28787730 DOI: 10.1159/000478852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Although some patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) exhibit novel or improved skills after the onset of dementia, these changes have yet to be quantified. Therefore, this study systematically explored and identified the emergence of positive behaviours after dementia onset. METHODS This study included 48 carers of patients with PPA: 12 nonfluent/agrammatic PPA (nfvPPA), 22 semantic variant PPA (svPPA), and 14 logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA). The presence and frequency of positive behaviour changes after dementia onset were established using the Hypersensory and Social/Emotional Scale (HSS). RESULTS Scores on Sensitivity to Details, Visuospatial Activities, and Music Activities differed significantly among the groups. More specifically, svPPA was associated with increased visuospatial activity, but only in the mild stage of the disease; nfvPPA was associated with increased visuospatial activity and decreased music activity, while lvPPA exhibited the reverse profile. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that subsets of PPA patients show novel or increased positive behaviours following dementia onset, and differences among subtypes may be helpful for improving diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, harnessing these skills may improve the quality of life of both patients and carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Midorikawa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Wong S, Balleine BW, Kumfor F. A new framework for conceptualizing symptoms in frontotemporal dementia: from animal models to the clinic. Brain 2018; 141:2245-2254. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wong
- The University of Sydney, School of Psychology and Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernard W Balleine
- University of New South Wales, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fiona Kumfor
- The University of Sydney, School of Psychology and Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Metin SZ, Erguzel TT, Ertan G, Salcini C, Kocarslan B, Cebi M, Metin B, Tanridag O, Tarhan N. The Use of Quantitative EEG for Differentiating Frontotemporal Dementia From Late-Onset Bipolar Disorder. Clin EEG Neurosci 2018; 49:171-176. [PMID: 29284291 DOI: 10.1177/1550059417750914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) usually emerges with behavioral changes similar to changes in late-life bipolar disorder (BD) especially in the early stages. According to the literature, a substantial number of bvFTD cases have been misdiagnosed as BD. Since the literature lacks studies comparing differential diagnosis ability of electrophysiological and neuroimaging findings in BD and bvFTD, we aimed to show their classification power using an artificial neural network and genetic algorithm based approach. Eighteen patients with the diagnosis of bvFTD and 20 patients with the diagnosis of late-life BD are included in the study. All patients' clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and electroencephalography recordings were assessed by a double-blind method to make diagnosis from MRI data. Classification of bvFTD and BD from total 38 participants was performed using feature selection and a neural network based on general algorithm. The artificial neural network method classified BD from bvFTD with 76% overall accuracy only by using on EEG power values. The radiological diagnosis classified BD from bvFTD with 79% overall accuracy. When the radiological diagnosis was added to the EEG analysis, the total classification performance raised to 87% overall accuracy. These results suggest that EEG and MRI combination has more powerful classification ability as compared with EEG and MRI alone. The findings may support the utility of neurophysiological and structural neuroimaging assessments for discriminating the 2 pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Zeynep Metin
- 1 Department of Psychology, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey.,2 NPIstanbul Brain Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Gulhan Ertan
- 4 Department of Radiology, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Betul Kocarslan
- 5 Department of Neuroscience, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Cebi
- 1 Department of Psychology, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Metin
- 1 Department of Psychology, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey.,5 Department of Neuroscience, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oguz Tanridag
- 1 Department of Psychology, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey.,5 Department of Neuroscience, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nevzat Tarhan
- 1 Department of Psychology, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey.,2 NPIstanbul Brain Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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21
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Grishina DA, Yakhno NN, Zakharov VV. [Emotional, affective and behavioral disorders in a behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2017; 117:13-17. [PMID: 29265081 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201711711113-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine the prevalence and severity of non-cognitive nervous and psychiatric disorders (NNPD) in a behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-nine patients with BVFTD, aged from 41 to 73 years (mean 60.7±8.1 years), were studied. All patients underwent neurological and neuropsychological examinations. NNPD were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (J. Cummings et al). Twenty-seven patients underwent brain MRI with T1, T2 and FLAIR sequences. RESULTS The most clinically significant symptoms of NNPD were apathy, behavioral disinhibition, eating disorders, abnormal motor activity and euphoria. Irritability, sleep disorders and excitement were less frequent. Anxiety and depression were identified in 13.8 and 20.7% of the patients, respectively. The severity of NNPD can increase and their spectrum can be qualitatively changed with the disease progression that indicates the spread of the neurodegenerative process. CONCLUSION Patients with BVFTD had all NNPD with the exception of delusion and hallucinations. The character and degree of severity of some emotional, affective and behavioral disorders are associated with the predominant localization of the pathological process in frontal and temporal brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Grishina
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - N N Yakhno
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Zakharov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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22
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Ahunca Velásquez LF. [Beyond Cognitive Impairment: Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Neurodegenerative Dementias]. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 46 Suppl 1:51-58. [PMID: 29037339 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As life expectancy increases, the number of people diagnosed with neurodegenerative dementia also increases. Although cognitive impairment is central in dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are very important because they increase both direct and indirect costs by generating greater morbidity, caregiver distress, use of medication and institutionalisation. Furthermore, it is important to understand the nature of NPS, since they can vary across the different types of dementia and may provide useful clinical information regarding the aetiology of cognitive impairment. The first-line management of NPS in dementia is non-pharmacological; internal and external causes should first be identified and strategies developed to modify the behavioural patterns of the patient and their caregiver. In addition, changes in the patient's surroundings that may improve patient performance and behaviour should be encouraged. If these practices are not satisfactory, a pharmacological treatment approach is adopted that includes anti-dementia drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilisers and benzodiazepines. However, psychoactive drugs do not offer sufficient efficacy and most of them have significant adverse effects, so each patient should be individually assessed, together with the implementation of non-pharmacological strategies, before deciding on pharmacological treatment for the management of NPS in dementia.
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23
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Park MH, Kim EJ, Park KW, Kwon JC, Ku BD, Han SH, Kim S, Yang DW, Na DL, Choi SH. Behavioural and neuropsychiatric disturbance in three clinical subtypes of frontotemporal dementia: A Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea-FTD Study. Australas J Ageing 2017; 36:46-51. [DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moon Ho Park
- Department of Neurology; Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Ansan Hospital; Ansan Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Kim
- Department of Neurology; Pusan National University Hospital; Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute; Busan Korea
| | - Kyung Won Park
- Department of Neurology; Dong-A Medical Center; Dong-A University College of Medicine; Busan Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Kwon
- Department of Neurology; Changwon Fatima Hospital; Changwon Korea
| | - Bon D. Ku
- Department of Neurology; Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine; Gangneung Korea
| | - Seol-Heui Han
- Department of Neurology; Konkuk University Medical Center and Konkuk University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - SangYun Kim
- Department of Neurology; Seoul National University College of Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience Center; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Seoul Korea
| | - Dong Won Yang
- Department of Neurology; The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Duk L. Na
- Department of Neurology; Samsung Medical Center; Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Seong Hye Choi
- Department of Neurology; Inha University School of Medicine; Incheon Korea
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Legesse B, Babadi B, Forester B. Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Neurocognitive Disorders. FOCUS: JOURNAL OF LIFE LONG LEARNING IN PSYCHIATRY 2017; 15:18-25. [PMID: 31975836 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20160031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dementias, renamed neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) in the DSM-5, are defined by acquired decline in cognitive and functional abilities. DSM-5 now also includes mild NCD, which incorporates the previous diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. DSM-5 recognizes the following etiologies for NCDs: NCD due to Alzheimer's disease, vascular NCD, NCD with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal NCD, substance-/medication-induced NCD, NCD due to traumatic brain injury, NCD due to Huntington's disease, NCD due to HIV infection, NCD due to prion disease, and NCD due to other medical conditions. In this review, the authors discuss a wide variety of interventions that have been studied for the treatment and management of neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with NCDs. In addition to nonpharmacological interventions, several classes of medications-including antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and cholinesterase inhibitors-have been studied for this indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benalfew Legesse
- Dr. Legesse is with the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, and Dr. Forester is with the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Geriatric Mood Disorders Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (e-mail: ). Dr. Babadi is with the Swartz Program in Theoretical Neuroscience, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Baktash Babadi
- Dr. Legesse is with the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, and Dr. Forester is with the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Geriatric Mood Disorders Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (e-mail: ). Dr. Babadi is with the Swartz Program in Theoretical Neuroscience, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Brent Forester
- Dr. Legesse is with the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, and Dr. Forester is with the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Geriatric Mood Disorders Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (e-mail: ). Dr. Babadi is with the Swartz Program in Theoretical Neuroscience, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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25
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Cognitive and Affective Empathy Disruption in Non-Fluent Primary Progressive Aphasia Syndromes. BRAIN IMPAIR 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/brimp.2016.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Empathy involves being able to understand and respond to others’ emotional experiences. Whilst deficits in empathy have been observed in frontotemporal dementia, the extent to which empathy is disrupted in dementia syndromes with predominant language impairment remains unclear. The current study investigated cognitive and affective empathy in the two non-fluent primary progressive aphasia syndromes: progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) and logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA). Informants of 23 PNFA and 16 LPA patients completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), regarding patients’ capacity for empathy pre- and post-disease onset. Twenty-four healthy control participants completed the self-rated IRI for comparison of post-disease empathy capabilities. Within-group analyses revealed reduced cognitive empathy and increased personal distress in both patient groups. In addition, lowered affective empathy was reported in PNFA, with a similar trend observed in LPA. Interestingly, reduced affective empathy was associated with greater carer burden in LPA. Between-group analyses revealed reduced cognitive empathy in both patient groups relative to controls. The current study is the first to document empathy changes in PNFA and LPA, offering insight into the social cognitive deficits experienced in these syndromes. Future neuroimaging studies are needed to identify the underlying neural correlates and mechanisms driving empathy deficits in PNFA and LPA.
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26
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Gómez-Tortosa E, Rigual R, Prieto-Jurczynska C, Mahillo-Fernández I, Guerrero-López R, Pérez-Pérez J, Sainz MJ. Behavioral Evolution of Progressive Semantic Aphasia in Comparison with Nonfluent Aphasia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2016; 41:1-8. [PMID: 26426392 DOI: 10.1159/000439521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) usually develop significant behavioral disturbances with progression of the disease. We tested our clinical observation that development of disruptive agitation is more likely in semantic than in nonfluent PPA and examined which clinical variables could be associated with this behavior. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed neuropsychiatric scores and the need for behavioral treatments in semantic PPA (n = 41) and nonfluent PPA (n = 39) cases and compared first (1-3 years since the onset of symptoms) and last (5-13 years since the onset) evaluations. Clinical variables and laterality of temporal atrophy were associated with symptoms in semantic PPA cases. RESULTS The semantic PPA group developed more frequent (p = 0.03) and intense agitation (p = 0.0008) and had a greater need for antipsychotic drugs (p = 0.001) than the nonfluent PPA group. Presence of agitation was clearly associated with psychotic symptoms (delusions/hallucinations) but was not associated with gender, age at onset, duration of the disease, or laterality of temporal atrophy. In contrast, nonfluent PPA cases were more frequently depressed and treated with antidepressants (p = 0.0007). There were no differences in anxiety, irritability, apathy, perseverations, hyperorality, or abnormal motor behavior. CONCLUSIONS Semantic PPA in advanced disease is frequently associated with agitation and psychotic symptoms with fewer mood symptoms, while nonfluent PPA maintains a high prevalence of depression. This implies different treatment and care and support needs for each group.
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O'Connor CM, Clemson L, Hornberger M, Leyton CE, Hodges JR, Piguet O, Mioshi E. Longitudinal change in everyday function and behavioral symptoms in frontotemporal dementia. Neurol Clin Pract 2016; 6:419-428. [PMID: 27847684 PMCID: PMC5100706 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: The relationship between behavioral changes and functional decline in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is not well understood. Methods: Thirty-nine patients (21 behavioral variant FTD [bvFTD], 18 semantic variant primary progressive aphasia [svPPA]) were followed up longitudinally (2–4 years follow-up). Functional (Disability Assessment for Dementia) and behavioral (Cambridge Behavioural Inventory Revised) assessments were included for between-group (pairwise comparisons, mixed model analysis) and within-group analyses (bivariate correlations). Results: Functionally, patients with bvFTD were more impaired than patients with svPPA at baseline and continued to be at follow-up, despite similar disease duration. By contrast, behavioral impairments differed between patient groups at baseline and at follow-up. At baseline, patients with bvFTD exhibited higher levels of apathy and changes in eating than patients with svPPA; disinhibited and stereotypical behaviors were similar. Over the years, patients with bvFTD showed reduction in disinhibition and stereotypical behavior while apathy and eating changes increased. By contrast, all measured behaviors increased in patients with svPPA over time. Finally, only apathy made longitudinal contributions to functional disability in patients with svPPA, whereas apathy and stereotypical behavior were associated with increased disability in patients with bvFTD. Conclusions: Despite shared overlapping baseline behavioral symptoms, patients with bvFTD are more functionally impaired than patients with svPPA. Apathy has a strong role in disability for both bvFTD and svPPA, but stereotypical behaviors only contributed to functional deficits in patients with bvFTD. Our findings suggest that rigid/compulsive behaviors may in fact support activity engagement in patients with svPPA. Taken together, our results indicate that interventions to reduce disability in the FTD spectrum require an alternative rationale in comparison to Alzheimer disease dementia, and should carefully weigh the interaction of behavioral symptoms and functional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M O'Connor
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lindy Clemson
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Hornberger
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cristian E Leyton
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - John R Hodges
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eneida Mioshi
- Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit (CMO, LC) and Speech Pathology (CEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH, EM), University of East Anglia, UK; Neuroscience Research Australia (CEL, JRH, OP); and ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (JRH, OP) and School of Medical Sciences (JRH, OP), University of New South Wales, Australia
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28
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Chakrabarty T, Sepehry AA, Jacova C, Hsiung GYR. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in frontotemporal dementia: a meta-analysis. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2015; 39:257-71. [PMID: 25662033 DOI: 10.1159/000369882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is common in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia and is associated with poorer outcomes; however, less is known about the impact of depression on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of diagnostic methods and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in FTD. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE and PsychINFO were queried for 'depression' and/or 'depressive mood' in behavioral- and language-variant FTD. The prevalence and diagnosis of depressive symptoms were extracted from relevant studies and the results pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS We included 29 studies in this meta-analysis, with sample sizes ranging from 3 to 73 (n = 870). The omnibus estimated event rate of depressed mood was 0.334 (33%; 95% CI: 0.268-0.407). Symptoms were most commonly assessed via standardized neuropsychiatric rating scales, with other methods including subjective caregiver reports and chart reviews. The study results were heterogeneous due to the variability in diagnostic methods. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms similar to those in other dementias are commonly detected in FTD. However, the diagnostic methods are heterogeneous, and symptoms of depression often overlap with manifestations of FTD. Having a standardized diagnostic approach to depression in FTD will greatly facilitate future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Chakrabarty
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Yokoyama JS, Bonham LW, Sturm VE, Adhimoolam B, Karydas A, Coppola G, Miller BL, Rankin KP. The 5-HTTLPR variant in the serotonin transporter gene modifies degeneration of brain regions important for emotion in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2015; 9:283-90. [PMID: 26509115 PMCID: PMC4576414 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter length polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) short allele (5-HTTLPR-s) has been associated with differential susceptibility for anxiety and depression in multiple psychiatric disorders. 5-HTTLPR-s modifies the serotonergic systems that support emotion and behavioral regulation by reducing gene expression, which slows the reuptake of serotonin, and is associated with distinct morphological and functional effects. Serotonergic systems are also shown to be dysfunctional in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), a disease characterized by marked socioemotional dysfunction. However, studies of 5-HTTLPR-s effects in bvFTD have been inconsistent. Our objective was to investigate the patterns of gray matter volume by 5-HTTLPR-s genotype in both healthy older controls and bvFTD patients. We performed voxel-based morphometry of 179 cognitively normal older adults and 24 bvFTD cases to determine brain changes associated with dose (0/1/2) of 5-HTTLPR-s allele. 5-HTTLPR-s frequency did not differ between controls and bvFTD. We found a significant interaction effect whereby carrying more 5-HTTLPR-s alleles in bvFTD was associated with smaller volume in left inferior frontal gyrus (T = 4.86, PFWE = 0.03) and larger volume in right temporal lobe (T = 5.01, PFWE = 0.01). These results suggest that the 5-HTTLPR-s allele differentially influences brain morphology in bvFTD. We propose that patients with bvFTD and 5-HTTLPR-s have altered volumes in regions that support socioemotional behavior, which may be a developmental or disease-related compensation for altered serotonergic activity. 5-HTTLPR-s correlates with greater right medial temporal lobe (R MTL) volume in FTD. 5-HTTLPR-s correlates with lower left inferior frontal gyrus (L IFG) volume in FTD. R MTL and L IFG volumes are associated with neuropsychiatric symptom severity. 5-HTTLPR-s effects on R MTL and L IFG volumes occur independently of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Luke W Bonham
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Virginia E Sturm
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Babu Adhimoolam
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anna Karydas
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Katherine P Rankin
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Singh TD, Duffy JR, Strand EA, Machulda MM, Whitwell JL, Josephs KA. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in primary progressive aphasia and apraxia of speech. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2015; 39:228-38. [PMID: 25613190 PMCID: PMC4464666 DOI: 10.1159/000369062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To conduct a prospective analysis of the neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) across the three categories of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS), compare the prevalence and nature of the symptoms, and look at which symptoms could be helpful to better differentiate these PPA and PAOS categories. METHODS A total of 106 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of semantic variant (n = 13), logopenic variant (n = 37), agrammatic variant (n = 15) or PAOS (n = 41) were included in this prospective study. The NPS were measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. RESULTS There were 65 patients with PPA and 41 with PAOS diagnosis. The most distinguishing features between the two groups were anxiety, apathy, aberrant motor behavior and appetite, while among the subtypes of PPA they were disinhibition and appetite changes. PPA and PAOS patients initially exhibited depression, but with increased disease duration, PAOS patients showed apathy (55.5%) while PPA patients showed disinhibition (28.6%) and aberrant motor behavior (14.3%). CONCLUSION Mood symptoms like anxiety and appetite changes are more likely to be present at initial stages of PPA, whereas behavioral symptoms like aberrant motor behavior and apathy are likely to occur early in PAOS. The NPS seem to evolve with the progression of the disease in both PPA and PAOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun D. Singh
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joseph R Duffy
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Mary M. Machulda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Bettcher BM, Sturm VE. Neuropsychological Assessment of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1044/nnsld24.4.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this article is to outline the utility of both language and non-language testing in making a diagnosis of logopenic, nonfluent/agrammatic, and semantic variant primary progressive aphasias PPA as well as delineate important behavioral and speech features that can be detected via clinical observation. We review speech/language presentations, non-language cognitive domains, and behavioral manifestations associated with each disorder. Patients with logopenic variant PPA evidence non-language cognitive impairments that include acalculia, phonological working memory deficits, and mild/variable difficulties with memory and visuospatial functions. In contrast, patients with nonfluent/agrammatic variant PPA display non-language impairments in executive functions, and show relative preservation of memory and visuospatial functions. Finally, semantic variant patients display behavioral changes in social comportment as well as non-language difficulties with category fluency and arithmetic facts; they display relative preservation, if not enhancement, of visuospatial functions. In summary, broad neural networks that support both language and non-language functions are affected in PPA syndromes, thus a comprehensive assessment of additional neuropsychological domains may aid in solidifying and subtyping PPA diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne M. Bettcher
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA
| | - Virginia E. Sturm
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA
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D'Alton S, Lewis J. Therapeutic and diagnostic challenges for frontotemporal dementia. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:204. [PMID: 25191265 PMCID: PMC4137452 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for therapeutic modifiers, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has traditionally been overshadowed by other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). A clinically and pathologically diverse condition, FTD has been galvanized by a number of recent discoveries such as novel genetic variants in familial and sporadic forms of disease and the identification of TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) as the defining constituent of inclusions in more than half of cases. In combination with an ever-expanding knowledge of the function and dysfunction of tau-a protein which is pathologically aggregated in the majority of the remaining cases-there exists a greater understanding of FTD than ever before. These advances may indicate potential approaches for the development of hypothetical therapeutics, but FTD remains highly complex and the roles of tau and TDP-43 in neurodegeneration are still wholly unclear. Here the challenges facing potential therapeutic strategies are discussed, which include sufficiently accurate disease diagnosis and sophisticated technology to deliver effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D'Alton
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jada Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
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Douglas JT. Adaptation to Early-Stage Nonfluent/Agrammatic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia: A First-Person Account. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2014; 29:289-92. [PMID: 24567528 PMCID: PMC10852638 DOI: 10.1177/1533317514523669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2024]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a young-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by declining language ability. The nonfluent/agrammatic variant of PPA (PPA-G) has the core features of agrammatism in language production and effortful, halting speech. As with other frontotemporal spectrum disorders, there is currently no cure for PPA, nor is it possible to slow the course of progression. The primary goal of treatment is therefore palliative in nature. However, there is a paucity of published information about strategies to make meaningful improvements to the quality of life of people with PPA, particularly in the early stages of the disease where any benefit could most be appreciated by the affected person. This report describes a range of strategies and adaptations designed to improve the quality of life of a person with early-stage PPA-G, based on my experience under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne T Douglas
- Volunteer, Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Léger GC, Banks SJ. Neuropsychiatric symptom profile differs based on pathology in patients with clinically diagnosed behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2014; 37:104-12. [PMID: 24135712 PMCID: PMC4041327 DOI: 10.1159/000354368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is pathologically heterogeneous. With emerging therapeutics, determining underlying pathology during life is increasingly important. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent and diagnostic in bvFTD. METHODS We assessed the neuropsychiatric profile of patients with clinically diagnosed bvFTD as a function of pathology at autopsy. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of bvFTD at the initial visit were selected from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database. Neuropsychiatric symptoms endorsed on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) were analyzed. RESULTS Of 149 patients with clinically diagnosed bvFTD, pathology was primarily Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 20.5%. These patients differed from those with underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration: patients with AD pathology (plaques and tangles) were more likely to have hallucinations, delusions, or agitation. Patients were further differentiated into tau-positive (30% of cases, including Pick's disease, FTD and parkinsonism with tau-positive or argyrophilic inclusions, and other tauopathies) or tau-negative cases (70% of cases, including bvFTD tau-negative ubiquitin-positive inclusions). These patients also differed in some of the neuropsychiatric symptoms seen. Tau-negative cases were more likely to demonstrate depression, delusions, and changes in appetite and eating. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings contribute to our increasing ability to predict, using simple clinical tools, the neuropathological underpinnings of bvFTD during life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Léger
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nev., USA
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Konstantinopoulou E, Aretouli E, Ioannidis P, Karacostas D, Kosmidis MH. Behavioral disturbances differentiate frontotemporal lobar degeneration subtypes and Alzheimer's disease: evidence from the Frontal Behavioral Inventory. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2013; 28:939-46. [PMID: 23135894 DOI: 10.1002/gps.3907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral assessment is useful for the diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). We explored the ability of the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) to discriminate between patients with distinct subtypes of FTLD and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as the influence of demographic variables on FBI scores. METHODS The FBI was administered to the caregivers of 87 patients diagnosed with FTLD [64 behavioral variant FTLD, 19 aphasic variant FTLD (primary progressive aphasia), and 4 motor/extrapyramidal variant (corticobasal syndrome)] and 30 patients with AD. Patients with AD were older than patients with FTLD. The two groups did not differ with respect to duration of illness, level of education, or sex ratio. RESULTS Age significantly predicted disinhibited positive behaviors, such as perseverations and irritability, whereas education did not contribute to FBI ratings. Classification accuracy for the discrimination of AD and mixed FTLD groups was 81%. Moreover, 88.3% and 83.7% accuracy was achieved for the discrimination of AD and behavioral variant FTLD, and AD and primary progressive aphasia groups, respectively. The Total Negative subscale of the FBI, which summarizes the presence of deficit (negative) behaviors, was the best discriminator. A cut-off score of 17 provided 83% sensitivity and 98% specificity in distinguishing between FTLD and AD patients. CONCLUSIONS The FBI is a sensitive and specific tool for the differential diagnosis of FTLD from AD. The optimal cut-off point for the detection of FTLD patients was lower than that initially proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Konstantinopoulou
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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36
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Afasia progresiva primaria: del síndrome a la enfermedad. Neurologia 2013; 28:366-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Modirrousta M, Price BH, Dickerson BC. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in primary progressive aphasia: phenomenology, pathophysiology, and approach to assessment and treatment. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2013; 3:133-146. [PMID: 23997827 DOI: 10.2217/nmt.13.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by insidious and progressive loss of language. Current diagnostic criteria require symptoms to be largely restricted to language dysfunction for at least the first 2 years of the syndrome. However, as the disorder progresses - and sometimes even in the early stages - patients with PPA may exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms. In this article, we review the phenomenology and frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms in PPA. Among the few studies of this topic that have been performed, there is consistent agreement that neuropsychiatric symptoms are not uncommon among PPA patients. In some cases, particularly the semantic variant of PPA, symptoms are similar to those found in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. We further review the approach to assessment of behavioral symptoms in PPA and their possible management strategies, and speculate regarding their potential neurobiological substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Modirrousta
- Frontotemporal Disorders Unit & Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, MA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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O’Connell ME, Crossley M, Cammer A, Morgan D, Allingham W, Cheavins B, Dalziel D, Lemire M, Mitchell S, Morgan E. Development and evaluation of a telehealth videoconferenced support group for rural spouses of individuals diagnosed with atypical early-onset dementias. DEMENTIA 2013; 13:382-95. [DOI: 10.1177/1471301212474143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Atypical and early-onset dementias can be particularly problematic for family caregivers, and support groups aimed at memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease are not always helpful. Unfortunately, little has been developed specifically for caregivers of individuals with atypical dementias such as the frontotemporal dementias. Compounding the lack of access to interventions targeted specifically at caregivers of individuals with atypical and early-onset dementias are the unique needs of rural caregivers. Due to the relative infrequency of these particular dementias and the large geographical distances between rural caregivers, technology-facilitation is required for any group-based intervention. This paper describes the development of a secure telehealth videoconferenced support group for rural spouses of individuals with atypical and early-onset dementias. In addition, we provide preliminary evidence of effectiveness and describe a template for future groups based on the key therapeutic aspects of this novel technology-facilitated intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wendy Allingham
- Participant collaborator, Canada
- Participant collaborators are listed in alphabetical order, but all contributed equally to the project
| | - Betty Cheavins
- Participant collaborator, Canada
- Participant collaborators are listed in alphabetical order, but all contributed equally to the project
| | - Donna Dalziel
- Participant collaborator, Canada
- Participant collaborators are listed in alphabetical order, but all contributed equally to the project
| | - Maurice Lemire
- Participant collaborator, Canada
- Participant collaborators are listed in alphabetical order, but all contributed equally to the project
| | - Sheri Mitchell
- Participant collaborator, Canada
- Participant collaborators are listed in alphabetical order, but all contributed equally to the project
| | - Ernie Morgan
- Participant collaborator, Canada
- Participant collaborators are listed in alphabetical order, but all contributed equally to the project
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Abstract
The non-fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (naPPA) is a young-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterised by poor grammatical comprehension and expression and a disorder of speech sound production. In an era of disease-modifying treatments, the identification of naPPA might be an important step in establishing a specific cause of neurodegenerative disease. However, difficulties in defining the characteristic language deficits and heterogeneity in the anatomical distribution of disease in naPPA have led to controversy. Findings from imaging studies have linked an impairment of this uniquely human language capacity with disruption of large-scale neural networks centred in left inferior frontal and anterior superior temporal regions. Accordingly, the pathological burden of disease in naPPA is anatomically focused in these regions. Most cases of naPPA are associated with the spectrum of pathological changes found in frontotemporal lobar degeneration involving the microtubule-associated protein tau. Knowledge of these unique clinical-pathological associations should advance care for patients with this important class of neurodegenerative diseases while supplementing our knowledge of human cognitive neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Grossman
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
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Looi JCL, Walterfang M, Velakoulis D, Macfarlane MD, Svensson LA, Wahlund LO. Frontotemporal dementia as a frontostriatal disorder: neostriatal morphology as a biomarker and structural basis for an endophenotype. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2012; 46:422-34. [PMID: 22535292 DOI: 10.1177/0004867411432076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article reviews the evidence for a re-conceptualisation of a subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as a frontostriatal disorder, working towards an endophenotype. METHOD We provide an overview of the role of frontostriatal circuits relevant to FTLD and FTD, as a subset of larger-scale distributed brain networks. We discuss the role of a strategic structure in these circuits, the neostriatum. Then we review the relationship of the clinical features of FTLD to frontostriatal circuits, correlating this with neuropsychological and neuropathological data. CONCLUSION The unique structure and linkages of the neostriatum make it an ideal structure for in vivo neuroimaging to understand the neuroanatomical basis of FTD. We develop a frontostriatal endophenotypic model for FTD as a platform for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C L Looi
- Research Centre for the Neurosciences of Ageing, Academic Unit of Psychological Medicine, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia.
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Regional brain atrophy and impaired decision making on the balloon analog risk task in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Cogn Behav Neurol 2011; 24:59-67. [PMID: 21697710 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0b013e3182255a7c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was 2-fold, first, to compare decision making in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) patients and healthy adults using the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), and, second, to identify the regions of gray matter atrophy associated with bvFTD patients' BART performance. BACKGROUND Stimulus-reinforcement learning is required to evaluate the results of previously chosen actions to improve future decisions. Although there is a well established literature suggesting altered decision making in FTD patients and data from lesion studies suggest orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) involvement in decision making, there is very little research looking at the brain correlates of decision making in FTD populations specifically. METHOD Twenty-seven bvFTD patients and 19 age-matched and education-matched normal controls completed the BART. Voxel-based morphometry analysis was performed on the magnetic resonance imaging scans of a subset of patients. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, the bvFTD patients did not learn and pumped less to inflate a balloon to receive a reward, indicating altered stimulus-reinforcement learning. The voxel-based morphometry analysis indicated that bvFTD patients' impaired BART performance was related to atrophy in the right lateral OFC. CONCLUSIONS The right lateral OFC is crucial for stimulus-reinforcement learning required for the adjustment of behavior under changing reward contingencies.
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Sapolsky D, Domoto-Reilly K, Negreira A, Brickhouse M, McGinnis S, Dickerson BC. Monitoring progression of primary progressive aphasia: current approaches and future directions. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt.11.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a gradually progressive syndrome that robs patients of the ability to communicate. There are a variety of diagnostic challenges; international consensus has only recently been reached on the nomenclature for specific subtypes and there are a variety of underlying neurodegenerative pathologies. There are at present no established treatments, and efforts to develop treatments have been hampered by the lack of standardized methods to monitor progression of the illness. Although measures developed from work with stroke aphasia and with disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease have provided a valuable foundation for monitoring progression, PPA presents unique challenges to clinicians aiming to counsel patients and families on clinical status and prognosis, and to experts aiming to design clinical trials of potential interventions. Here we review some of the issues facing the field of PPA clinical research, summarize our current approach to monitoring progression of PPA and outline some ideas regarding goals for the development of better tools for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Sapolsky
- MGH Frontotemporal Dementia Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Speech & Language Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimiko Domoto-Reilly
- MGH Frontotemporal Dementia Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyson Negreira
- MGH Frontotemporal Dementia Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Brickhouse
- MGH Frontotemporal Dementia Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott McGinnis
- MGH Frontotemporal Dementia Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradford C Dickerson
- Athinoula A Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Atrofie focali. Neurologia 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(11)70571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Fatemi Y, Boeve BF, Duffy J, Petersen RC, Knopman DS, Cejka V, Smith GE, Geda YE. Neuropsychiatric aspects of primary progressive aphasia. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2011; 23:168-72. [PMID: 21677245 PMCID: PMC3204925 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnp168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have reported neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the left hemisphere. Depression is associated with left-sided stroke, but it remains unclear whether depression and other NPS are also associated with PPA. The authors compared the frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms in 55 cases of PPA with 110 cognitively normal persons matched for age, sex, and education. Depression, apathy, agitation, anxiety, appetite change, and irritability are associated with PPA. Hallucinations, delusions, and night-time behavior were not associated with PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Fatemi
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN,Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | | | | | | | | | - Vladimir Cejka
- Charles University-Faculty of Medicine, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Treatment approaches for frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are rapidly evolving with improved understanding of the disease. This brief review highlights recent advances. RECENT FINDINGS Early-onset dementia has a devastating impact on families and rids its victims of their most productive and rewarding years. Over the past 10 years, FTLD has emerged as the commonest cause of dementia under the age of 60 years, outstripping even Alzheimer's disease in prevalence. Remarkable progress has occurred in our understanding of FTLD both as a set of distinctive clinical syndromes and as a set of disorders with unique genetic and pathological profiles. Although there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for FTLD, new evidence of specific genetic and neurochemical defects is beginning to provide a strong rationale for pharmacological treatment. SUMMARY Behavioral changes, which are common in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and semantic dementia, often respond to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Memantine also holds promise to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms, but more prospective trials are needed.With better understanding of pathogenic molecular pathways involving microtubule-associated protein tau, progranulin and TDP-43, potential disease-modifying therapies are being studied in animal models and approaching human trials.
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Chapter 10 Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2009; 84:185-213. [DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(09)00410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Banks SJ, Weintraub S. Generalized and symptom-specific insight in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 21:299-306. [PMID: 19776310 PMCID: PMC2957481 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.2009.21.3.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) are related dementias with different presenting symptoms but with increasing symptom overlap as they progress. Loss of insight is associated with early behavioral variant FTD, but not PPA. This study used the Frontal Behavioral Inventory to compare patient and caregiver concepts of symptom presence and severity. Patients with behavioral variant FTD were found to have worse insight overall than PPA patients. However, the PPA group showed reduced insight into behavioral symptoms, and the behavioral variant FTD groups had intact insight into some language symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Banks
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 3801 University St., Montreal Quebec H3A 2B4 Canada.
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Current world literature. Trauma and rehabilitation. Curr Opin Neurol 2008; 21:762-4. [PMID: 18989123 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e32831cbb85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Banks SJ, Weintraub S. Cognitive deficits and reduced insight in primary progressive aphasia. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2008; 23:363-71. [PMID: 18836134 DOI: 10.1177/1533317508320351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a form of dementia caused by frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Unlike aphasia due to stroke, in which the association between particular aphasia profiles and insight has been well characterized, this relationship has not been investigated in PPA. Reduced insight is seen in other neurological conditions, but tends to involve right hemisphere damage, whereas PPA is predominantly a left hemisphere disorder. The aim of the current study was to examine whether fluent aphasia with less meaningful speech output, associated with diminished insight in stroke, is also characteristic of PPA patients with reduced insight. Fourteen PPA patients were studied. Results indicated that reduced information content in speech and poor performance on a nonlanguage test, the Pyramids and Palm Trees test, predicted reduced insight. This study has implications for the anatomical network involved in insight and clinical implications in terms of selecting interventions appropriate for individual patients with PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Banks
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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