Neuropsychology and Quantitative Electroencephalography in a Case of Frontotemporal Dementia and Small Vessel Disease

Abstract

Neuropsychological assessment is essential in patients with cognitive impairment and could be coupled with psychophysiological techniques. Specifically, quantitative electroencephalography may complement data from neuroimage, neurophysiology, and neuropsychology providing relevant information about brain functioning and dynamics. A 77-year-old male consulted for expressive language difficulties that began at age 65. Neuroimaging findings revealed atrophy and hypometabolism of the left temporal and frontal lobe, with cerebral microlesions. Quantitative electroencephalography findings showed decreased absolute and relative power, low alpha peak frequency, and marked inter- and intrahemispheric frontal and temporal asymmetries. The neuropsychological profile showed alteration in executive and expressive language domains, consistent with neuroimaging and psychophysiological findings. A diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia, a form of frontotemporal dementia, as well as a small vessel disease and mild cognitive impairment was concluded. Neuropsychological and quantitative electroencephalography data contribute to the diagnosis and would help determine the disease progression.

Keywords

• neuropsychology
• quantitative electroencephalography
• frontotemporal dementia
• small vessel disease
• neuroimage
• psychophysiology
• aphasia