scholarly journals Frontotemporal dementia and COVID‐19: Hypothesis generation and roadmap for future research

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kok Pin Ng ◽  
Hui Jin Chiew ◽  
Shahul Hameed ◽  
Simon Kang Seng Ting ◽  
Adeline Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Hypothesis Generation ◽  
Future Research

Pharmacological Management of Psychiatric Symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Buoli ◽  
Marta Serati ◽  
Alice Caldiroli ◽  
Daniela Galimberti ◽  
Elio Scarpini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacological Management

Psychiatric symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are highly prevalent and may complicate clinical management of these patients. Purpose of the present article is to present and discuss available data about the pharmacological treatment of psychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD. A research in the main database sources has been conducted to obtain an overview of the pharmacological management of psychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD. The search strategy included the following terms—“FTD and psychiatry,” “FTD and behavioural disturbances,” and “FTD and treatment”. Pathophysiology of psychiatric symptoms in FTD is different from other types of dementia. Although drugs for Alzheimer disease appear to be ineffective for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms of FTD, preliminary evidence supports a possible usefulness of serotonergic antidepressants for these patients. Data are too scanty to draw definitive conclusions, but antidepressant treatment, particularly with serotonergic compounds, may improve psychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD. Large observational studies are needed to confirm this preliminary evidence, and a lot of effort and collaboration between neurologists and psychiatrists will be definitely crucial for future research of effective treatments for FTD.

scholarly journals Divergent Thinking Abilities in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Fusi ◽  
Maura Crepaldi ◽  
Laura Colautti ◽  
Massimiliano Palmiero ◽  
Alessandro Antonietti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The One

A large number of studies, including single case and case series studies, have shown that patients with different types of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by the emergence of artistic abilities. This led to the hypothesis of enhanced creative thinking skills as a function of these pathological conditions. However, in the last years, it has been argued that these brain pathologies lead only to an augmented “drive to produce” rather than to the emergence of creativity. Moreover, only a few studies analyzed specific creative skills, such as divergent thinking (DT), by standardized tests. This Mini-Review aimed to examine the extent to which DT abilities are preserved in patients affected by FTD. Results showed that DT abilities (both verbal and figural) are altered in different ways according to the specific anatomical and functional changes associated with the diverse forms of FTD. On the one hand, patients affected by the behavioral form of FTD can produce many ideas because of unimpaired access to memory stores (i.e., episodic and semantic), but are not able to recombine flexibly the information to produce original ideas because of damages in the pre-frontal cortex. On the other hand, patients affected by the semantic variant are impaired also in terms of fluency because of the degradation of their semantic memory store. Potential implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

The Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 257-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trisha Chakrabarty ◽  
Amir A. Sepehry ◽  
Claudia Jacova ◽  
Ging-Yuek Robin Hsiung
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Depressive Mood ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Background: Depression is common in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia and is associated with poorer outcomes; however, less is known about the impact of depression on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of diagnostic methods and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in FTD. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and PsychINFO were queried for ‘depression' and/or ‘depressive mood' in behavioral- and language-variant FTD. The prevalence and diagnosis of depressive symptoms were extracted from relevant studies and the results pooled using a random-effects model. Results: We included 29 studies in this meta-analysis, with sample sizes ranging from 3 to 73 (n = 870). The omnibus estimated event rate of depressed mood was 0.334 (33%; 95% CI: 0.268-0.407). Symptoms were most commonly assessed via standardized neuropsychiatric rating scales, with other methods including subjective caregiver reports and chart reviews. The study results were heterogeneous due to the variability in diagnostic methods. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms similar to those in other dementias are commonly detected in FTD. However, the diagnostic methods are heterogeneous, and symptoms of depression often overlap with manifestations of FTD. Having a standardized diagnostic approach to depression in FTD will greatly facilitate future research in this area.

scholarly journals Exploring Experiences and Needs of Spousal Carers of People with Behavioural variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) including those with familial FTD (fFTD): A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Tookey ◽  
Caroline V. Greaves ◽  
Jonathan D. Rohrer ◽  
Roopal Desai ◽  
Joshua Stott
Keyword(s):  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Spousal Relationship ◽  
Familial Form ◽  
Carer Support ◽  
Knowledge Barriers ◽  
Meaningful Experiences ◽  
The Impact

Abstract IntroductionCarers of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) experience greater challenges than carers of people with other dementias due to the younger age of onset and the challenging presentation of symptoms. The aim of the present study was to explore experiences of spousal carers of people with bvFTD, including those with the familial form of the disease (fFTD). MethodFourteen qualitative interviews were analysed using an inductive approach to Thematic Analysis to understand experiences of spousal carers of people with bvFTD including those with fFTD. ResultsFive main themes were identified including: a) The “Constant Battle” – A journey toward an FTD diagnosis, b) Shock, Relief and Fear – Challenges persist post diagnosis, c) The “Life Altering” impact – The loss of the spousal relationship and shifting roles, d) Adapting, Managing Symptoms and Receiving Carer Support, e) Lack of General Knowledge – Barriers to support. ConclusionsHealthcare professionals should be educated on the initial presentations of FTD, to enable carers and families receive timely diagnosis and appropriate support. Future research should investigate the impact of fFTD on carers and families, to explore positive or meaningful experiences in caring, as well as theory-driven research to identify helpful coping strategies for carers of people with FTD.

scholarly journals History, Present, and Progress of Frontotemporal Dementia in China: A Systematic Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru-Jing Ren ◽  
Yue Huang ◽  
Gang Xu ◽  
Chun-Bo Li ◽  
Qi Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Neuropathological Diagnosis ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

We aim to provide an overview of clinical and demographical features and neuropathological research on frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from China over the past decade. We reviewed the demographic features, clinical presentations, and neuropathology of the FTD-spectrum disorders from the 49 cases in China published since 1998. On the basis of these findings, we retrospect the history and speculate on future progress in terms of FTD in China. We found that most published papers comprise case reports with a few retrospective studies with small sample sizes. Behavior variant FTD (bvFTD) was the most common diagnostic subtype, of which 35% were associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinsonian syndrome. More than 47% patients with FTD had age onset before 65. There were no differences in age of onset and sex distribution between diagnostic subtypes. The spectrum of neuropathological diagnosis of bvFTD was frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTLD) with tau protein or ubiquitin-immunopositive inclusions, and FTLD without intracellular inclusions. Median survival in bvFTD was 14 years. This paper provides an overview of the current status and pointers for future research directions of FTD in China.

A Review and Model of Auditor Judgments in Fraud-Related Planning Tasks

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 101-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline S. Hammersley
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Hypothesis Generation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Direct Experience ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Audit Planning ◽  
Fraud Risk ◽  
Epistemic Motivation ◽  
Auditor Judgments ◽  
Audit Program

SUMMARY In this paper, I develop a model that describes auditor and fraud risk factor characteristics that I expect to affect auditor performance in fraud-related planning tasks (i.e., fraud hypothesis generation, risk assessment, and audit program modification). I expect that auditor knowledge, especially fraud knowledge, will significantly affect auditor performance in audit program modification tasks through its effects on fraud risk factor identification and hypothesis generation. Further, due to fraud's rarity, I expect that this knowledge is acquired primarily through indirect experience such as training rather than from direct experience and is enhanced when auditors have better problem solving skills and higher epistemic motivation. This is a significant departure from knowledge acquisition in other audit settings, and there is currently no evidence in the literature examining these relationships. I also propose that the diagnosticity of fraud risk factors and, specifically, the degree to which they support generation of specific testable fraud hypotheses affect auditors' ability to plan effective changes to audit programs. Finally, I review and summarize the extant fraud-related, audit planning literature and identify opportunities for future research. JEL Classifications: M40; M41; M42.

scholarly journals C-35 Clinical Diagnosis of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia with Underlying Primary Age-Related Tauopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1064-1064
Author(s):  
A Carlew ◽  
L Fields ◽  
C White ◽  
B Evers ◽  
L Lacritz
Keyword(s):  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Primary Progressive Aphasia ◽  
Consensus Conference ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gradual Onset ◽  
Clinical Presentations

Abstract Objective Primary age-related tauopathy (PART) is a neuropathologic entity characterized by neurofibrillary tangles in medial temporal regions comparable to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but with few or no amyloid plaques. A definitive clinical phenotype for PART has not been determined. Some studies report milder deficits and a longer course compared with AD. In the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database, the most common clinical diagnosis of PART cases classified as dementia is AD, though primary progressive aphasia/behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is also common. We describe 3 patients diagnosed with bvFTD later found to have PART to further describe possible PART phenotypes. Method Charts of 3 autopsy-proven PART cases clinically diagnosed as bvFTD by consensus conference were reviewed. All patients (A, B, C) were male and presented with behavioral changes. Only B was APOE4+. Neuroimaging was mostly unremarkable (ventriculomegaly in patient C). Results All subjects presented with anosognosia, fatigue, and behavioral changes, 1 (A) with pronounced apathy and 2 (B, C) with disinhibition, impulsivity, and mood swings. Onset was early 70’s for A & C, and 50’s for B. Patients B & C had gradual onset/course (~20 years) with initial subtle executive (EF) dysfunction and intact memory. Patient A had a 6-year course and initial deficits in EF and memory. Conclusion This review underscores the varied presentation and clinical course of PART, including presence of early behavioral changes. Slower progression as previously reported was seen in 2 of 3 patients. Future research is warranted to better characterize the entire spectrum of clinical presentations in subjects with PART neuropathology.

scholarly journals Methods for generating hypotheses in human enteric illness outbreak investigations: a scoping review of the evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ickert ◽  
J. Cheng ◽  
D. Reimer ◽  
J. Greig ◽  
A. Hexemer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Source Identification ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Hypothesis Generation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Descriptive Epidemiology ◽  
Outbreak Investigations ◽  
Complex Events

Abstract Enteric illness outbreaks are complex events, therefore, outbreak investigators use many different hypothesis generation methods depending on the situation. This scoping review was conducted to describe methods used to generate a hypothesis during enteric illness outbreak investigations. The search included five databases and grey literature for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 2 May 2015. Relevance screening and article characterisation were conducted by two independent reviewers using pretested forms. There were 903 outbreaks that described hypothesis generation methods and 33 papers which focused on the evaluation of hypothesis generation methods. Common hypothesis generation methods described are analytic studies (64.8%), descriptive epidemiology (33.7%), food or environmental sampling (32.8%) and facility inspections (27.9%). The least common methods included the use of a single interviewer (0.4%) and investigation of outliers (0.4%). Most studies reported using two or more methods to generate hypotheses (81.2%), with 29.2% of studies reporting using four or more. The use of multiple different hypothesis generation methods both within and between outbreaks highlights the complexity of enteric illness outbreak investigations. Future research should examine the effectiveness of each method and the contexts for which each is most effective in efficiently leading to source identification.

scholarly journals Multidimensional Apathy in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and Alzheimer Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 089198872092471
Author(s):  
Ratko Radakovic ◽  
Shuna Colville ◽  
Denise Cranley ◽  
John M. Starr ◽  
Suvankar Pal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Primary Progressive Aphasia ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Progressive Aphasia ◽  
Primary Progressive ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Rating Discrepancy

Apathy is prevalent in dementia, such as behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and Alzheimer disease (AD). As a multidimensional construct, it can be assessed and subsumed under a Dimensional Apathy Framework. A consistent apathy profile in bvFTD and PPA has yet to be established. The aim was to explore apathy profiles and awareness in bvFTD, PPA, and AD. A total of 12 patients with bvFTD, 12 patients with PPA, 28 patients with AD, and 20 matched controls, as well as their informants/carers, were recruited. All participants completed the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS), assessing executive, emotional, and initiation apathy subtypes, a 1-dimensional apathy measure, depression measure, and functional and cognitive screens. Apathy subtype awareness was determined through DAS informant/carer and self-rating discrepancy. Apathy profile comparison showed patients with bvFTD had significantly higher emotional apathy than patients with AD ( P < .01) and significantly higher apathy over all subtypes than patients with PPA ( Ps < .05). Additionally, patients with bvFTD had significantly lower awareness for emotional apathy ( P < .01) when compared to patients with AD and PPA. All patient groups had significant global apathy over all subtypes compared to controls. The emergent apathy profile for bvFTD seems to be emotional apathy (indifference or emotional/affective neutrality), with lower self-awareness in this subtype. Further, lower self-awareness for executive apathy (lack of motivation for planning, organization, or attention) differentiates bvFTD from PPA. Future research should investigate the cognitive and neural correlates as well as the practical impact of apathy subtypes.

Stress and Emotion Regulation

2018 ◽  
pp. 414-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Myruski ◽  
Samantha Denefrio ◽  
Tracy A. Dennis-Tiwary
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hypothesis Generation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Conscious Awareness ◽  
Strategy Selection ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Stress Buffering ◽  
Effects Of Stress

Emotion regulation (ER) can buffer against the negative effects of stress, but little is understood about processes and contextual factors that influence how and under what conditions this stress buffering occurs. We review previous research on ER in relation to stress and psychopathology, and note that a significant gap in prior research is that is has focused almost exclusively on a small number of deliberative ER strategies. We then highlight growing evidence that automatic and habitual forms of ER, characterized by low resource demands and low conscious awareness, have an important influence on the stress response and its link to psychopathology and well-being. We propose the Dynamic Fit Model of Stress and ER, which posits that (1) both deliberative and automatic ER contribute to the link between stress and psychopathology; (2) the fit between stress demands and ER strategy selection can be mapped along the dimensions of automaticity and flexibility; and (3) negative effects of stress on well-being and psychological functioning emerge when there is a poor fit between stress demands and ER. We discuss how the model delineates elements defining a “good fit” or “poor fit” and how the model can be used to articulate an agenda for future research and hypothesis generation.

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