A systematic review of neurotransmitter deficits and treatments in frontotemporal dementia.
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 dementia (FTD) can be helpful in developing treatments. Treatment studies on FTD are scarce, given the prevalence and severity of this illness. Larger, well-controlled treatment studies are required to reach more definitive conclusions about treatment efficacy. Multicenter studies are likely the best way to complete treatment studies in a timely manner.
Huey
Edward D
ED
Cognitive Neuroscience Section, NINDS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. hueye@ninds.nih.gov
Putnam
Karen T
KT
Grafman
Jordan
J
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003704:Dementia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000172:deficiency; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000172:deficiency; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D012701:Serotonin; D004298:Dopamine