Editor's Note

You Can Manage a Dementia without Cure: Frontotemporal Degeneration

Tiffany W. Chow, MD, MSc, Baycrest Health Sciences Rotman Research Institute, and Ross Memory Clinic; University of Toronto Depts. of Medicine (Neurology Division) and Psychiatry (Geriatric Psychiatry Division).

Abstract
Much of the published clinical research in dementia has focused on diagnostic biomarkers and neuroimaging analyses that are not yet validated for routine clinical practice or on unsuccessful clinical drug trials. Primary care providers can nonetheless make a significant difference in the management of patients with dementia and their families, based on appropriate referrals of non-Alzheimer's dementia cases to specialists and supporting informal caregivers.
Frontotemporal degeneration, a non-Alzheimer's dementia that strikes in the 6th decade of life, provides many opportunities for the entire healthcare team to educate and back families up through a harrowing neurodegenerative illness. This paper is intended to highlight for primary care physicians what can be done and how to accomplish it through a team approach. Some concepts, such as a switch from medicalized views of "behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia" to "Responsive Behaviours" can be generalized across dementia etiologies, but the age at onset and marked social disability and dysfunction caused by frontotemporal degeneration warrant some additional guidelines to assure the safety and highest quality of life possible for the patient and those around him. In particular, refitting a day program to accommodate clients with frontotemporal degeneration and attending to the needs of children who find themselves in informal caregiver roles are addressed.
Keywords: caregiver, dementia, frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia.

A Facial Rash Recalcitrant to Treatment with Topical Corticosteroids

Francesca Cheung, MD CCFP, is a family physician with a special interest in dermatology. She received the Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the Department of Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. She is practising at the Lynde Centre for Dermatology in Markham, Ontario and works closely with Dr. Charles Lynde, MD FRCPC, an experienced dermatologist. In addition to providing direct patient care, she acts as a sub-investigator in multiple clinical studies involving psoriasis, onychomycosis, and acne.

Abstract
Periorificial dermatitis is a common eczematous eruption on the face. Clusters of follicular papules, vesicles, and pustules on an erythematous base are usually found in a perioral distribution. Other common locations include the nasolabial folds and periocular area. An underlying cause may not be found in all cases, but the use of topical corticosteroids on the face may precede onset of symptoms. Periorificial dermatitis is diagnosed clinically and no specific investigation is required. Topical anti-inflammatory therapies (such as metronidazole and erythromycin) are appropriate in mild cases. In severe cases, systemic treatments such as tetracycline or one of its derivatives are beneficial. Patients should be warned that symptoms might worsen before improvement is apparent. This complication is more commonly seen when topical corticosteroids are withdrawn.
Keywords: periorificial dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, facial rash, steroid-induced.

A Rare Case of Pilomatrixoma in a Seventy-Six Year Old Lady

P.K. Shenoy, MD, DLO, FRCS, FACS¹, W. Wang, MD^2
1ENT Service Chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, New Brunswick, Campbellton, Canada.
²Pathology Service Chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, New Brunswick, Campbellton, Canada.

Abstract
Objectives: We report a rare case of Pilomatrixoma with an unusual presentation in an elderly individual.
Method: Case reports and review of the literature of Pilomatrixoma and its clinical presentation, familial ocuurence and genetic mutation are presented.
Result: Pilomatrixoma is a rare, slow growing benign skin tumour derived from the hair matrix cell that typically occurs in the head and neck.^8,9 Most cases of Pilomatrixoma occur in children under the age of 10. Rarely can it present in young adults or the middle age group where there is a female predominance.^1,2,12
Keywords: pilomatrixoma, calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, haemorrhagic purplish nodule, solid and cystic, pleuropotential precursor, mutation, basophilic cells, shadow cells, CTNNB1.

Mild Cognitive Impairment