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The Spectrum of Recurrent Thoughts and Behaviors in Frontotemporal Dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Mario F. Mendez  and
Jill S. Shapira
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Abstract

This article describes the spectrum of recurrent thoughts and behaviors that can result from frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and its variants. Although repetitive behaviors can result from a range of brain disorders, FTD is the most common neurologic cause of new-onset recurrent thoughts and behaviors in middle or late life. Patients with FTD can manifest typical or bizarre compulsions, hoarding, verbal and motor stereotypies and complex tics; self-injurious acts, perseverations; and fixed, obsessional thoughts. The frequency and variability of these repetitive behaviors suggest a common disturbance of orbitofrontal-basal ganglia circuits involved in response inhibition. The amelioration of these recurrent events with the administration of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors further suggests a serotonergic deficit.

Type
Case Report
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , March 2008 , pp. 202 - 208
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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