Frontotemporal dementia
ICD-10 G31.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This condition often manifests with significant changes in personality, behavior, and language abilities, which can precede memory loss. Patients may exhibit impulsivity, social withdrawal, and emotional blunting, making it distinct from Alzheimer's disease, which primarily affects memory. The onset of FTD typically occurs in individuals aged 40 to 65, and it can be familial in nature, linked to genetic mutations. Cognitive decline in FTD can be assessed through neuropsychological testing, which evaluates executive function, language skills, and social cognition. Unlike Alzheimer's, where memory impairment is predominant, FTD often presents with behavioral changes and language difficulties. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by neuroimaging findings that reveal atrophy in the frontal and temporal regions. Early diagnosis is crucial for management and planning, as the disease progresses rapidly and significantly impacts the patient's quality of life.
Detailed neurological examination findings, cognitive assessment results, and family history.
Patients presenting with behavioral changes, language difficulties, or early-onset dementia.
Ensure comprehensive documentation of cognitive tests and neuroimaging results.
Psychiatric evaluations, history of mood changes, and behavioral assessments.
Patients with mood disorders or personality changes that may indicate underlying dementia.
Document any psychiatric comorbidities that may complicate the diagnosis.
Used to assess cognitive function in suspected dementia cases.
Detailed report of cognitive assessments and results.
Neurologists and psychologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of test results.
The primary symptoms include changes in personality, behavior, and language abilities, often preceding memory loss.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing, and neuroimaging that shows atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes.
