No test can detect frontotemporal dementia. Instead, the disorder is diagnosed by excluding other conditions that might be causing the signs and symptoms. There are numerous tests and questions for each patient that can help exclude other conditions. Because behavior changes are associated with the disorder, a psychiatrist may make the initial evaluation.
The patient will first have a complete physical exam, along with a detailed history of symptoms and medical history, including medications. Examination by neurology specialists will help identify signs of Parkinson's disease, strokes, tumors and other medical conditions that may impair memory and thinking, as well as physical function. Tests may include:
To determine which thinking and memory functions may be affected and to what degree, the patient will be asked questions to measure cognitive functions for attention, learning, recall, language and visuospatial abilities. Test results are compared to results for other patients of similar age and education.
The patient and people familiar with him or her will be interviewed about the patient's emotional state and day-to-day routines. They will also be asked about possible alcohol or drug abuse, head trauma and other causes for memory loss. Family members or close friends can provide valuable information about how the patient's behavior and personality have changed.
To determine which communication abilities may be affected and to what degree, the ability to speak and understand speech, and read and write can be assessed. The patient and people familiar with the patient will be interviewed to establish the impact that difficulties with communication may be having on work and other daily activities.
In addition, the patient may have a psychiatric assessment to uncover possible depression or other mental illness.
The patient will need to provide a blood sample to be checked for infections or conditions such as vitamin deficiency, anemia, medication levels, disorders of the thyroid, kidneys or liver, and other factors that can cause memory loss.
Internal images of the brain help detect strokes, tumors or other conditions that may have affected the brain, and may show changes to structures in the brain that are associated with memory, such as the hippocampus. Brain imaging techniques offered at Mayo Clinic include:
Other tests that sometimes provide important diagnostic information include electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), urine tests, and tests on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained by a lumbar puncture. The physicians discuss with the patient and his or her family which tests are most appropriate to establish the correct diagnosis.