PROGRESSIVE RIGHT FRONTOTEMPORAL DEGENERATION - CLINICAL, NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPECT CHARACTERISTICS

The behavioral, neuropsychological and single photon emission computer ized tomography characteristics of 5 patients with progressive degener ation of the right hemisphere are described. In all, the brain regions with greatest involvement were right-frontal and temporal. Psychosis, compulsions and behavioral disinhibition were the dominant, and often first, symptoms. Affect was flattened and the patients seemed distant and remote. Neuropsychological testing did not reveal a consistent pa ttern that helped localize the abnormality to the right frontotemporal region. These patients contrast dramatically to those with left front otemporal degeneration in whom behavior and psychiatric status is ofte n normal. This study suggests that the right hemisphere may be primary for the control of social conduct.