In frontotemporal dementia with depressive symptoms, which medication is appropriate to address mood symptoms?

• A. Atypical antipsychotics
• B. MAO inhibitors
• C. Tricyclic antidepressants
• D. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Answer: (D)

Depression in frontotemporal dementia is best treated with a medication that improves mood while keeping side effects to a minimum in older adults. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fit this need well; they effectively elevate mood and are generally well tolerated with fewer anticholinergic or cardiotoxic risks than tricyclic antidepressants. They also avoid the dietary and drug interaction constraints associated with MAO inhibitors. Atypical antipsychotics can help with agitation or psychosis but aren’t the first choice for mood symptoms and carry their own safety concerns in dementia. So, using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is the most appropriate way to address mood symptoms in this scenario.