Abstract
This review of pharmacotherapy for frontotemporal lobar degeneration describes the chemical rationale for agents used and reports observed responses to psychotropic medications. Paroxetine addressed anxiety and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors. Depression was resistant to treatment. Valproic acid and quetiapine calmed agitated subjects without exacerbating Parkinsonism. Donepezil has not emerged as a beneficial medication for this group of subjects. Behavioral disturbances can be alleviated pharmacologically, but further research might determine guidelines for management of this non-Alzheimer's dementia syndrome that could decrease the frequency of adverse drug events.
Keywords: frontotemporal dementia, pharmacotherapy, valproic acid, paroxetine, quetiapine, donepezil
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Contributor Information
Tiffany W. Chow, University of Southern California at Los Angeles; Rancho Los Amigos/USC Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic and Research Program, Downey, California..
Mario F. Mendez, Department of Neurology, University of California at Los Angeles..
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