B - 103 Early Onset Frontotemporal Dementia: a Neuropsychological Case Study.

Abstract

A neuropsychological case review of Early-Onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) utilizing the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB). FTD is a degeneration of brain nerve cells resulting in behavioral deterioration and other effects upon personality and brain functions. Due to early onset of FTD, diagnostic ambiguity is often the case. The current case was a patient referred by neurology to rule-out adult ADHD/LD. The patient is a 51-year-old, Caucasian, right-handed male. Initially, his symptoms were sleep changes, anxiety, reduced attention concentration, and memory. The medical community indicated the possibility of an undiagnosed ADHD condition. MRI and EEG of the brain revealed an arachnoid cyst and focal slowing in the left temporal region. In addition, asymmetric enlargement of the left Sylvian fissure and brain parenchyma were noted. MNB neurocognitive findings were diffuse and revealed lateralized motor impairments in primary and psychomotor abilities. MNB Premorbid Estimate (T-48), OTBM (T-31), and DTBM (T-27) were comparatively significant. Psychological findings were consistent with an anxiety disorder. Contrary to the medical community diagnostic initial impression, ADHD was ruled out. MNB revealed a pattern of findings consistent with a neurodegenerative condition (FTD, Cor. = 0.74, Conf. = 0.80). This study highlights the importance of administering a full thorough neuropsychological examination rather than assessing the patient's complaints of "reduced attention concentration." FTD is statistically increasing, hence the importance to fully evaluate across the lifespan, especially in consideration to early onset FTD.