Social Cognition in the Frontal Variant of Alzheimer's Disease: A Case Study

J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;55(2):459-463. doi: 10.3233/JAD-160690.

Abstract

Although frontal presentations of Alzheimer's disease (fv-AD) have already been described in the literature, we still know little about patients' social cognitive abilities, especially their theory of mind (ToM). We report the case of FT, a 61-year-old woman who was diagnosed with fv-AD. Two assessments of social cognition, using a false-belief task, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, and a task probing knowledge of social norms, were performed one year apart. FT exhibited cognitive ToM and social knowledge deficits from the onset. Affective ToM was initially preserved, but deteriorated as the disease progressed.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; behavioral symptoms; social norms; theory of mind.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology*
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Frontal Lobe / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Behavior*
  • Theory of Mind*