NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN BEHAVIORAL VARIANT FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A 12-MONTH FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are highly prevalent and may complicate clinical managements. Objective: We tested whether the Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI) could detect change neuropsychiatric caregiver´s distress diagnosed behavioral variant (bvFTD) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from baseline to a 12-month follow-up. Methods: The sample consisted of 31 bvFTD 28 AD their caregivers. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke´s Cognitive Revised (ACE-R), INECO Frontal Screening (IFS), Assessment Battery (FAB), Executive Interview (EXIT-25) were used. Results: total (NPI Total) caregiver Distress score statistically higher among at both assessment points. MMSE, ACE-R scores significantly declined NPI Total increased groups. Age was only independent predictor variable for group follow up. In group, EXIT-25, conjunctively, associated Conclusion: Knowing how evolve over course help clinician decisions regarding future management therapeutic approaches.