Simple Motor Stereotypies Are Not Specific Core Features Of Behavioral Frontotemporal Dementia (P5.243)

OBJECTIVE: To define frequency and characteristics of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors when applying the current diagnostic criteria for behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). BACKGROUND: Stereotyped and compulsive/ritualistic behaviors are among the core features in the consensus criteria for bvFTD. Repetitive behaviors can be divided in simple motor stereotypies or complex repetitive behaviors. Standardized clinical scales are useful for an accurate assessment of this core feature. DESIGN/METHODS: Patients enrolled had a clinical diagnosis of bvFTD and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) according to established criteria. An ad-hoc instrument, the Repetitive Behaviors Subscale (RBS), obtained by revising and merging two preexisting scales was used. The RBS investigates the presence and severity of simple motor and verbal stereotypies, verbal perseverations, clock watching, counting, hoarding, routine and rituals, fixed leisure activities and recurrent eating behaviors. RESULTS: RBS was administered to 31 bvFTD patients and 57 AD patients. Mean total RBS score was significantly worse in the bvFTD group respect to AD (bvFTD:16.32±11.5; AD:7.42±8.1, p<0.001). Simple motor stereotypies were found equally present in bvFTD and AD (bvFTD:52%; AD:42%; p=0.39). In contrast, patients with bvFTD presented more frequently rituals and routine adherence (bvFTD:55%, AD:21%; p<0.01); counting (bvFTD:23%, AD:7%,; p=0.04), verbal perseverations (bvFTD:55%, AD:26%; p=0.01), verbal stereotypies (bvFTD:29%, AD:11%; p=0.03) and compulsive eating behaviors (bvFTD:39%, AD:19%; p=0.05). Total RBS score correlated with NPI score (r=0.559, p<0.0001) and not with the MMSE or disease duration. CONCLUSIONS: Simple motor stereotypies are frequent in patients with neurodegenerative dementia, being present in almost half of our study sample and equally distributed in bvFTD as well as in AD. Simple motor stereotypies should not be considered specific of bvFTD while complex stereotypies and repetitive/fixed behaviors seems to hold a greater differential diagnostic value. Questionnaire for stereotypies may represent an important diagnostic instrument and useful tool for monitoring drug treatment efficacy. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Pompanin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Formentin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giulia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jelcic has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rolma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tagliapietra has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zorzi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cagnin has nothing to disclose.