Section - Quick Takes

02. Clinical and MRI Predictors of Conversion From Mild Behavioural Impairment to Dementia

Published on December 1, 2020 Expired on April 1, 2023

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

Behavioral impairment in the absence of cognitive impairment is a powerful predictor of progression to frontotemporal dementia. A handy rating scale can help you quantify it in predementia patients.

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Behavioral impairment in the absence of cognitive impairment is a powerful predictor of progression to frontotemporal dementia. A handy rating scale can help to quantify it in predementia patients.

We know that a patient with minimal cognitive impairment (MCI) is at a substantially increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease within a few years; the annual conversion rate is 30%. However, you may not have known that minimal behavioral impairment (MBI) increases the risk of developing frontotemporal dementia within a few years. Let’s look at other factors that might increase the risk of progression to frontotemporal dementia in people who already manifest minimal behavioral impairment.

First, what are the specific behavioral impairments in MBI? A family of so-called neuropsychiatric symptoms is separate from the cognitive impairment that can precede dementia of all kinds, primarily Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal. According to the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART),

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03. Medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Risk for Suicide Attempts

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Rank-order antipsychotics by their metabolic effects and evaluate their impact on cardiovascular risk in people with schizophrenia.
Determine the value of distinguishing behavioral and cognitive impairment in patients at risk of progression to dementia.
Compare suicide attempt rates in patients with a diagnosis of ADHD, on or off stimulant medications.
Examine the cardiac abnormalities associated with anorexia nervosa and their degree of resolution with weight restoration.
Consider the many ways in which COVID-19 worsens substance use problems. Clinicians may be aware of many of these, but it is still useful to see all in one place the full list from experienced authors.

Original Release Date: 12/01/2020

Review and Re-release Date: 03/01/2023

Expiration Date: 04/01/2023

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

The following planners, faculty, and reviewers have the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Dr. Phelps has disclosed the following relationships:

McGraw-Hill: book on bipolar disorder
W.W. Norton & Co.: books on bipolar disorder

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.