Article

Since the first descriptions of circumscribed frontotemporal atrophies, and the
first statement published by the Lund and Manchester groups, consensus clinical
and pathological criteria for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have been
increasingly refined. The last international behavioural variant FTD criteria
(FTDC) (Rascovsky et al., 2011) are the most sensitive, operational and reliable,
for the clinical syndrome. Previously exclusion features, like early and severe
amnestic syndrome or spatial disorientation, which turn out to be not so rare,
are taken into account, as well as imaging, and biomarkers suggestive of other
pathologies like Alzheimer's disease. So far, clinical features do not seem very
helpful in predicting the underlying histopathology, although there are some
clues, mainly related to neurological features (e.g. motor neuron disease,
extra-pyramidal symptoms or language disorders), or associated disorders (e.g.
Paget disease of bone) or genetics. BvFTD remains a difficult diagnosis at very
early stage, which accounts for the delay of diagnosis, especially in late onset,
where the frontotemporal atrophy may not be striking. At very young onset,
psychiatric diseases must be ruled out. More systematic assessment of social
cognition could be helpful. Further biomarkers are expected. Systematic use of
recent criteria, for BvFTD and other neurodegenerative diseases especially AD,
will contribute to make early and correct diagnoses in excluding or suggesting
alternative diagnoses. Post-mortem assessment, with detailed recording of
clinical information, is essential to progress.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
- Démence frontotemporale
- Troubles comportementaux

Langue : ANGLAIS