Neuropsychological examinations in frontotemporal lobar degeneration

Many studies have attempted to identify neuropsychological tests that could distinguish frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) from other types of dementia. Although some measures of frontal lobe function, memory, language, visuospatial function and, general cognitive ability revealed significant differences between FTLD and other types of dementia, there was a large overlap in the test performance among these groups. Therefore, neuropsychological tests should be used in conjunction with clinical and radiological findings to identify FTLD patients. However, suitably selected neuropsychological tests can be useful to monitor the temporal changes in cognitive function in each FTLD patient and to compare the clinical features of this disorder with other types of dementia.