Frontal Release Signs Predict Decline in Subjects with Intact Cognition and Mild Cognitive Impairment (P01.082)

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the association of frontal release signs (FRS) with cognitive decline in subjects with intact cognition (CI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Background FRS are primitive reflexes that regress with brain maturation and reappear in the setting of brain injury or neurodegeneration. Despite their association with dementia, the diagnostic utility of FRS in the setting of early predementia cognitive decline is poorly understood. Design/Methods: We examined the prevalence and progression of FRS over 2,545 discrete annual visits in 689 subjects with CI, MCI, and dementia. Independent variables included diagnostic category and the absence or presence (> 1 positive) of FRS. Results: The prevalence of FRS at baseline assessment was 7.5% in CI, 28.6% in MCI, and 34.5% in demented subjects. FRS at baseline was significantly associated with older age (p Conclusions: FRS may have diagnostic utility in the earliest stages of cognitive decline that has not been previously appreciated. FRS should be included as an important component of the evaluation of cognitive decline in persons at risk for the development of a degenerative dementia. Supported by: NIA 1 P30 AG028383. Disclosure: Dr. Metcalf has nothing to disclose. Dr. Abner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schmitt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kryscio has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stiles has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jicha has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc, Janssen Immunotherapy, and Eli Lilly & Company. Dr. Jicha has received research support from Baxter, Janssen, Pfizer Inc, Medivation, and Danone.