Veronica Faltracco, Barbara Poletti, Edoardo Nicolò Aiello, Alessandra Telesca, Eleonora Dalla Bella, Enrica Bersano, Vincenzo Silani, Nicola Ticozzi, Giuseppe Lauria, Monica Consonni
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: It has been recently acknowledged that deficits in experiencing and processing one's own emotions, also termed alexithymia, may possibly feature the frontotemporal-spectrum disorders. This study aims to determine whether alexithymia could be included within the frontotemporal syndromes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Methods: Alexithymic traits were estimated in a cohort of 68 non-demented ALS patients with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Patients were assessed for the identification of motor-phenotypes and frontotemporal syndromes based on current classification criteria. Spearman's coefficients explored the correlates of TAS-20 measures with motor-functional profiles, global cognitive, social-cognitive (emotion recognition and empathy) and behavioral status.
Results: Abnormal TAS-20 scores were found in 13% of patients, and their distribution did not vary within motor and frontotemporal phenotypes. Significant associations were detected between TAS-20 and executive (p ≤ .011), memory (p = .006), state-anxiety (p ≤ .013) and depression measures (p ≤ .010). By contrast, TAS-20 scores were unrelated to social-cognitive performances, dysexecutive and apathetic profiles. Disease duration was the only motor-functional feature being related to the TAS-20 (p ≤ .008).
Conclusions: Alexithymia of potential clinical relevance occur in a minority of ALS patients, and its neuropsychological correlates mostly resemble those featuring the general population. Hence, it is unlikely that alexithymia is a specific feature of frontotemporal-spectrum characterizing ALS, rather it could be an expression of psychogenic factors as a reaction to the disease.
期刊介绍:
Neurological Sciences is intended to provide a medium for the communication of results and ideas in the field of neuroscience. The journal welcomes contributions in both the basic and clinical aspects of the neurosciences. The official language of the journal is English. Reports are published in the form of original articles, short communications, editorials, reviews and letters to the editor. Original articles present the results of experimental or clinical studies in the neurosciences, while short communications are succinct reports permitting the rapid publication of novel results. Original contributions may be submitted for the special sections History of Neurology, Health Care and Neurological Digressions - a forum for cultural topics related to the neurosciences. The journal also publishes correspondence book reviews, meeting reports and announcements.