Frontotemporal dementia: A case study with MRI, SPECT and neuropsychological tests

Frontotemporal dementia is the second most common cause, after Alzheimer's disease, of primary cerebral atrophy in the presenium. It occurs more frequently than is widely thought. 1 report on a 66-year-old retired businessman who presented with gradual personality change, accompanied by loss of social and personal awareness. His symptoms had progressed from an insidious onset two years previously. Neuropsychological tests showed deficits mainly in the domain of the frontal lobe function. Visuospatial orientation, praxis, and language abilities were preserved. Single photon emission computed tomography showed anterior cerebral hypoperfusion. Cerebral MRI showed diffuse brain atrophy, especially in the anterior cerebral parts, and an asymmetrical right temporal tissue loss. Cerebral MRI performed 34 months later showed further atrophic change, especially in the frontal area. His mental status gradually deteriorated, leading to mutism 4 years after the onset. This is a case of frontotemporal dementia.