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Review
. 2020 Sep 3;10(5):446-451.
doi: 10.1080/20009666.2020.1787810.

Frontotemporal dementia as underlying cause of newly altered mental status in a 59-year-old female: a case presentation and literature review

Affiliations
Review

Frontotemporal dementia as underlying cause of newly altered mental status in a 59-year-old female: a case presentation and literature review

A Coraini et al. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. .

Abstract

59 y.o. female is evaluated for chronic behavioral abnormalities. We describe the diagnostic approach to cases of altered mental status. Before considering the different possible etiologies including, for example, metabolic, infectious, toxic, hypoxemic, endocrine, or iatrogenic ones, we underline the importance of assessing patient's baseline functional status. Often, in particular in older patients' population, dementia is the underlying culprit of mentation abnormalities. Through extensive history and with the help of neuroimaging studies, our patient was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

Keywords: Dementia; altered Mental Status; behavior; frontotemporal dementia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Coraini and Dr. Basciotta report no disclosures relevant to the manuscript.

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