AREA

Cognitive Neuroscience

SITE

Alzheimer’s & Dementia

TYPE

Articles

YEAR

Formal publication: June 2023

Authors: Franzen, S., Nuytemans, K., Bourdage, R., Caramelli, P., Ellajosyula, R., Finger, E., Illán-Gala, I., Loi, S. M., Morhardt, D., Pijnenburg, Y., Rascovsky, K., Williams, M. M., Yokoyama, J. S., Alladi, S., Ayhan, Y., Broce, I., Castro-Suarez, S., Coleman, K., de Souza, L. C., Dacks, P. A., … ISTAART FTD PIA and ISTAART Diversity and Disparities PIA

Abstract: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the leading causes of dementia before age 65 and often manifests as abnormal behavior (in behavioral variant FTD) or language impairment (in primary progressive aphasia). FTD’s exact clinical presentation varies by culture, language, education, social norms, and other socioeconomic factors; current research and clinical practice, however, is mainly based on studies conducted in North America and Western Europe. Changes in diagnostic criteria and procedures as well as new or adapted cognitive tests are likely needed to take into consideration global diversity. This perspective paper by two professional interest areas of the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment examines how increasing global diversity impacts the clinical presentation, screening, assessment, and diagnosis of FTD and its treatment and care. It subsequently provides recommendations to address immediate needs to advance global FTD research and clinical practice.