Executive Function Deficits in Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia

Background and Objectives Executive dysfunction is a core feature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While there has been extensive research into such impairments in sporadic FTD, there has been little research in the familial forms. Methods Seven hundred fifty-two individuals were recruited in total: 214 C9orf72; 205 progranulin (GRN) and 86 microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) mutation carriers, stratified into asymptomatic, prodromal, and fully symptomatic; and 247 mutation-negative controls. Attention and executive function were measured using the Weschler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) Digit Span Backwards (DSB), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Symbol task, Trail Making Test Parts A and B, and the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color Word Interference Test. Linear regression models with bootstrapping were used to assess differences between groups. Correlation of task score with disease severity was also performed, as well as an analysis of the neuroanatomical correlates of each task.