Right anterior temporal lobe atrophy and person-based semantic defect: a detailed case study

Neurocase. 2009 Dec;15(6):485-508. doi: 10.1080/13554790902971141. Epub 2009 Jun 30.

Abstract

We report a new case of a right temporal pole variant of frontotemporal dementia (Rtv-FTLD), MD, who presented a slowly progressive deterioration of the recognition of familiar and famous people. We thoroughly investigated MD's face processing and semantic abilities, including a neuroimaging investigation. This analysis revealed a cross-modal person-based deficit together with a more general semantic alteration. However, there was no evidence of impairment in face perception, including holistic processing, or of an abnormal pattern of brain activation in face-sensitive cortical areas. We discuss the nature of face processing in the Rtv-FTLD and the context of a person-based semantic defect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrophy
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Face*
  • Facial Expression
  • Famous Persons
  • Female
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / pathology
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Memory Disorders / pathology
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual
  • Perceptual Disorders / pathology
  • Perceptual Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Recognition, Psychology
  • Semantics*