ABSTRACT
The role of the frontal lobe in control of behavioral and cognitive abilities is explored in a group of 34 patients with brain lesions restricted to the prefrontal cortex. The scores in both structured behavioral questionnaires and standard neuropsychological tests were analyzed using the injured area of the frontal lobe as the independent variable. Our results show that patients with simultaneous lesions in supero_ and inferomedial areas of the prefrontal cortex exhibit higher behavioral disturbances. Bilateral lesions also are associated with greater behavioral troubles. On the contrary, cognitive abilities are globally impaired in prefrontal patients. Results are discussed in relation to current models of the organization of the prefrontal cortex and its role on behavior control.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Brain Injuries/complications , Cognition Disorders/etiology , Mental Disorders/etiology , Prefrontal Cortex/injuries , Case-Control Studies , Cognition Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Status Schedule , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Neuropsychological Tests , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Six patients with primary degenerative dementias and frontal or frontotemporal hipoperfusion are reported. Five were diagnosed as Frontal Progressive Dementia (FPD), characterized by striking changes in personality and social behavior. The last patient had a progressive aphasia and a moderate cognitive impairment. We discuss the heterogeneity of FPD that includes Pick's disease, frontal lobe type dementia (Neary) and progressive subcortical gliosis. The usefulness of Spect and the need of a brain bank are remarked