Study suggests new way to diagnose combined Alzheimer’s and FTLD

People with Alzheimer's disease often have other neurodegenerative conditions as well, including a less-understood disorder called frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). While a precise diagnosis of FTLD has only been possible during an autopsy, new research shows how clinicians may be able to diagnose people living with both Alzheimer's and FTLD by evaluating neuropsychiatric symptoms.

In a study published in Neurology, researchers found that compared to patients who have either of the two types of dementia alone, having both Alzheimer's disease and FTLD is associated with greater likelihood of having known neuropsychiatric symptoms of both diseases.

The findings could have important implications for patients and their caregivers, the researchers noted, because patients with both disorders may experience a more complex disease course, rapid decline or unique responses to disease-modifying treatments.

We saw that there were different neuropsychiatric symptoms if people had both pathologies, which could inform diagnosis and treatment plans. The development of neuropsychiatric symptoms can be really impactful on patients and their families in terms of quality of life and resources needed. It would be helpful for patients and families to have a better sense of what to expect so they can prepare."