Motor function and behaviour across the ALS-FTD spectrum

De Silva, Dinuksha, Hsieh, Sharpley, Caga, Jashelle, Leslie, Felicity V. C., Kiernan, Matthew C., Hodges, John R, Mioshi, Eneida and Burrell, James R. (2016) Motor function and behaviour across the ALS-FTD spectrum. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 133 (5). pp. 367-372. ISSN 0001-6314

Preview

PDF (Accepted_Article_11_07_15) - Accepted Version Download (183kB) | Preview

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Behavioural/functional disturbances, characteristic of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), are also a feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and patients with combined ALS and FTD (FTD-ALS).  AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the progression of behavioural disturbances in ALS and FTD using the frontotemporal dementia functional rating scale (FTDFRS).  METHODS: Patients with ALS, FTD-ALS, and FTD were recruited from specialist clinics. Baseline assessments included the FTDFRS and the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale – revised (ALSFRS-R). Baseline assessments were included, as were longitudinal assessments in a proportion of patients.  RESULTS: In total, 21 ALS, 12 FTD-ALS and 14 behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) patients were included in the study. Moderate or severe behavioural disturbance was common in ALS patients at baseline (47.6%), although less frequent than in bvFTD patients; FTDALS patients displayed intermediate impairment. The ALSFRS-R showed the opposite pattern and did not correlate with the FTDFRS. During the follow-up period, significant (p<0.05) behaviouraldeterioration was demonstrated in bvFTD and FTD-ALS patients, with a trend for decline in ALS patients (p=0.06).  CONCLUSION: Motor disturbance is the primary marker of disease severity in ALS, but behavioural and functional impairment are common, and may decline independently of motor function. As such, the FTDFRS may provide valuable information in the assessment andmonitoring of ALS.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,dementia,neurodegenerative disorders
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Dementia & Complexity in Later Life Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	22 Mar 2016 09:21
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2023 01:37
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/57731
DOI:	10.1111/ane.12471

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item