Rest-activity and behavioral disruption in a patient with frontotemporal dementia

Neurocase. 2009 Dec;15(6):515-26. doi: 10.1080/13554790903061371. Epub 2009 Sep 7.

Abstract

The neurological deterioration in dementia is associated with disturbances in circadian rhythms and rest-activity patterns. These disruptions have been documented in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies but little is known about rest-activity patterns in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We report longitudinal (2 year) actigraphy results for a patient who met diagnostic criteria for FTD and his family caregiver. The subject and his family caregiver wore Actiwatches continuously for 2 weeks at 1-year intervals. The findings suggest that with disease progression there is worsening in multiple areas of rest-activity measures for the patient and a negative impact on sleep quality for the family caregiver.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Caregivers
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Photoperiod
  • Rest*
  • Sleep
  • Time Factors