Dementia (Frontotemporal) Flashcards
what is frontotemporal dementia
specific degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain
pathophysiology of frontotemporal dementia
the intracellular deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau causes neuronal loss, gliosis, and microvascular changes of frontal lobes, anterior temporal lobes, anterior cingulate cortex, and insular cortex.
presenting symptoms and signs
personality, social behaviour changes
progressive loss of language fluency and comprehension
memory impairment, apraxia and disorientation
self-neglect and abandoning work, social hobbies etc
changed eating habits
risk factors
mutated genes
investigations to diagnose FTD
formal cognitive tests, brain CT, MRI
FBC, thyroid and liver function tests, B12, folate, urinalysis, CRP, electrolytes and urea
treatment of FTD
supportive care
PLUS antipsychotics or benzodiazepines (lorezepam)
