Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) refers to a spectrum of clinical syndromes associated with progressive degeneration of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes. FTD is heterogenous in its clinical presentation, with impairments spanning behavioral, language, and motor domains. This course will introduce the most common FTD syndromes: behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and the non-fluent and semantic variants of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). We will review the clinical, genetic, pathological, and imaging characteristics of FTD syndromes and how these differ from other neurodegenerative disorders. Discussion will focus on the behavioral and neuropsychological characteristics of bvFTD and PPA, with an emphasis on differential diagnosis. Behavioral and cognitive symptoms will be illustrated with video and audio case examples. Notes on management and care of FTD patients and their families will be provided.
Learning Objectives:
After the session, participants will be able to:
List the most common FTD clinical syndromes.
Describe the imaging, behavioral, and neuropsychological characteristics of behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD).
Describe the language, neuropsychological, and imaging features that define the Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) syndromes.
Identify behavioral and cognitive measures that can aid in the differential diagnosis of bvFTD and PPA.
Discuss strategies and resources for management and care of FTD patients and their families.
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