2017 Resarch Forum

IM: C-6

Applicant & Principal Investigator: Ali Ammar MD

A Case of rapidly progressive frontotemporal dementia triggered by life stressors Ali Ammar MD, Kasey Carling MS III, Jeffrey Coleman MS IV, Saman Ratnayake MD

INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may present in multiple variants, behavioral type variant being the most common. FTD causes significant changes in social behavior and personality due to its association with degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Typically it progresses over three to five years, and presents in the sixth decade of life. PURPOSE To describe a case of FTD brought on by life stressors. DISCUSSION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may present in multiple variants, behavioral type variant being the most common. FTD causes significant changes in social behavior, and personality, due to its association with degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Typically it progresses over three to five years, and presents in the sixth decade of life. FTD may present in multiple variants, behavioral type variant being the most common. FTD causes significant changes in social behavior, and personality, due to its association with degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Typically it progresses over three to five years, and presents in the sixth decade of life. PET brain was performed and showed hypometabolism involving the frontal lobes, anterior cingulated gyrus and anterior portions of the temporal lobes in a pattern typical for FTD. It has been 4 months since initial interaction with the patient. Today his cognitive function has deteriorated tremendously. He remains bedbound, shows little apathy, and when he is active he stands in the middle of a room for prolonged periods of time. FTD seldom presents in the third decade and is generally not this acutely progressive. Furthermore, the patient's sudden onset of life stressors may have triggered the acuity and early onset of his disease. CONCLUSION

Frontotemporal dementia can be caused by life stressors.