Multisite ALLFTD study modeling progressive empathy loss from the earliest stages of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia

ALLFTD consortium

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy relies on fronto-cingular and temporal networks that are selectively vulnerable in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This study modeled when in the disease process empathy changes begin, and how they progress. Methods: Four hundred thirty-one individuals with asymptomatic genetic FTD (n = 114), genetic and sporadic bvFTD (n = 317), and 163 asymptomatic non-carrier controls were enrolled. In sub-samples, we investigated empathy measured by the informant-based Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) at each disease stage and over time (n = 91), and its correspondence to underlying atrophy (n = 51). Results: Empathic concern (estimate = 4.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.79, 5.97; p < 0.001) and perspective taking (estimate = 5.64, 95% CI = 3.81, 7.48; p < 0.001) scores declined between the asymptomatic and very mild symptomatic stages regardless of pathogenic variant status. More rapid loss of empathy corresponded with subcortical atrophy. Discussion: Loss of empathy is an early and progressive symptom of bvFTD that is measurable by IRI informant ratings and can be used to monitor behavior in neuropsychiatry practice and treatment trials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2842-2852
Number of pages11
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia
Volume19
Issue number7
Early online dateJan 2 2023
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Interpersonal Reactivity Index
  • behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
  • clinical trials
  • cognitive empathy
  • emotional empathy
  • volumetric MRI
  • Atrophy
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Frontotemporal Dementia/diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Empathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Health Policy
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Epidemiology

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