A systematic review of neurotransmitter deficits and treatments in frontotemporal dementia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate neurotransmitter deficiencies and neurotransmitter-based treatments for frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Methods

The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature on the mechanism and treatment of FTD and a meta-analysis of treatment studies of antidepressants for the behavioral symptoms of FTD.

Results

Patients with FTD show deficiencies in the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems, while the acetylcholine system appears relatively intact. Antidepressant treatment significantly improves behavioral symptoms in FTD, but most studies are small and uncontrolled. Serotonergic treatments appear to improve the behavioral but not cognitive symptoms of FTD.

Conclusions

Studies of neurotransmitter deficiencies in frontotemporal de

SUBMITTER: Huey ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4499854 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature