Neuropsychology of the Frontal Lobes : Clinical Implications

Francois Boller
INSERM
Paris, France

 

Prerequisites :

A basic knowledge of neuropsychology and of neurosciences, particularly neuroanatomy.

Course Description:

In 1964, Hans-Lukas Teuber considered by many as one of the founders of modern Neuropsychology evoked the "riddle"  of frontal lobe function in humans (1).  This course will present the advances and resolutions that have been achieved, as well as show the many areas of remaining perplexity. Its emphasis will be on real life, every day clinical situations.

Course Outline:

History of the  Frontal Lobes : still a riddle ?
Evolution of ideas concerning cognitive changes and dementia
Clinical testing
Neuropsychological tests
Fronto Temporal dementia: 
       a) pathology
       b) clinical picture
Other pathologies of the frontal lobes
Rehabilitation




Reading List

Handbook of Neuropsychology, particularly Vol 6, 7 and 9 of the second edition as well as Vol 9 of the first edition which includes a landmark chapter by Petrides and Pandya. (Please note that there is a paperback edition which is quite affordable.)
Volume 6, Chapter 14
Volume 7, Chapter   4
Volume 7, Chapter   7
Volume 9, Chapter   4



Grafman, J., F. Boller and K. Holyoak (1995). Structure and functions of the human prefrontal cortex. New York, New York Academy of Sciences.

Teuber, H. (1964). The riddle of frontal lobe function in man. The frontal granular cortex and behaviour. J. Warren and K. Akert. New York, McGraw-Hill: 416-441.

Andres P.  Frontal cortex as the central executive of working memory: time to revise our view. Cortex. 2003 39(4-5):871-95.

Traykov L, Boller F. Frontal lobes pathology and dementia. An appraisal of the contribution of Leonardo Bianchi. Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences.1997;18:129-134.

Stuss DT, Alexander MP. Executive functions and the frontal lobes: a conceptual view. Psychol Res. 2000;63(3-4):289-98.



Course Presentations

Presentation 1

Psychiatry Presentation

Anatomy Presentation

Plasticity Presentation

Circuits Presentation

Creativity Presentation

Tests Presentation

FTD Presentation