The clinical picture of frontotemporal dementia: Diagnosis and follow-up

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was diagnosed in 74 outpatients with a standa rdized assessment including neuropsychological tests, behavioural scale, st ructural and functional imaging. Clinical characteristics were consistent w ith the literature data. The cohort was followed for 2-6 years to determine the reliable variable for evaluating the progression of FTD, Every fourth patient died after a mean duration of 7 years. At first, FTD manifests itse lf in behavioural changes with relatively stable global cognition although language, verbal fluency and memory tests were reliable tools to follow the progression of the disease. Below 18 of Mini-Mental State Examination, mut ism and apathy prevented from neuropsychological testing within the next 6 months, Behavioural disorders evolved with time but restlessness and hypero rality were long-lasting, Imaging showed the progression of a consistent pa ttern of anterior abnormalities with frequent leukoaraiosis.