VALUES: a national multicenter study demonstrating gender differences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with behavioral impairment

Abstract

SUMMARY Aim: This study aims to characterize gender-specific behavioral profiles in nondemented amyotrophic lateral sclerosis subjects with behavioral changes (ALSbi). Methods: Caregivers of 106 subjects (53 male) completed an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis standardized clinical interview framed around the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) structured questionnaire to rate patients on behaviors associated with declines in frontal and temporal self-regulatory capacities. Subjects evaluated evidenced two or more nonoverlapping behavioral symptoms. Inventory items were grouped into disinhibited, apathetic and stereotypic subclasses for between-gender evaluation by independent t-tests and within-gender evaluation by Mann–Whitney U and Spearman rho. Results: Males showed greater disinhibition (p = 0.000), and loss of insight (p = 0.011), jocularity (p = 0.009) and impulsivity (p = 0.005). Females showed significant relationships between personal neglect and indifference (p = 0.000), impulsivity (p = 0.0.013) and jocularity (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Gender differences are evident in ALSbi, characterized by gender-specific loss of social sophistication, and their characterization may allow for better detection of female ALSbi patients, as well as contribute to treatment planning and quality of life for ALSbi patients and their caregivers.