A SURVEY OF FRONTAL-LOBE DEMENTIA IN A PSYCHOGERIATRIC DAY UNIT POPULATION

Nine (12%) of 78 consecutive first admissions to psychogeriatric day units fulfilled an operational definition for dementia of frontal lobe type (DFT). These cases showed many of the behavioural, neuropsychological and neurophysiological features of DFT reported in presenile subjects. They accounted for 14% of first admissions with organic brain syndromes and 37% of those showing marked apathy or disinhibition. These findings support the hypothesis that DFT is a common cause of referral to psychogeriatric services and a significant source of behavioural disturbances in such settings.