Neurology® Podcast Frontotemporal Dementia Differential Diagnosis in Clinical Practice
Mar 13, 2025
Dr. Amy Brodtmann, director at the Eastern Cognitive Disorders Clinic and professor, joins to discuss the nuances of diagnosing frontotemporal dementia (FTD). She emphasizes the holistic approach needed in assessments, particularly regarding behavioral changes that may mask underlying conditions. The conversation delves into the complexities of distinguishing FTD from Alzheimer's disease and the potential for misdiagnosis. Brodtmann highlights the critical role of follow-up care and emerging blood biomarkers to enhance diagnostic accuracy, shedding light on an often-overlooked area in dementia care.
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Challenging Referrals
- Behavioral changes and impulsivity are common referral reasons, but don't always indicate FTD.
- Young-onset Alzheimer's disease can mimic FTD, making diagnosis challenging.
FTD Misdiagnosis
- FTD is often misdiagnosed, both overdiagnosed and underdiagnosed.
- Blood biomarkers, like neurofilament light chain, can help differentiate FTD from psychiatric disorders or phenocopies.
Lost Social Cues
- One patient with FTD lost social-emotional cognition, asking why someone's face was wet after a funeral.
- This illustrates a profound loss of understanding social cues, unseen in psychiatric or vascular cognitive impairment.