Use of intranasal oxytocin in Frontotemporal Dementia: an integrative systematic review

Abstract

Introduction. Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter with systemic action that is increasingly studied due to its positive properties on human behavior. Particularly in socio-emotional cognition, there is already evidence of the benefits of its use in autism spectrum disorders, and efforts are being made to advance its application in cognitive declines associated with the family of dementia-related conditions. Objective. To verify the state of the art of the use of intranasal oxytocin in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Method. We conducted an integrative systematic review. The heterogeneity of the studies made a meta-analysis unfeasible. Results. Five randomized clinical trials were identified, revealing good tolerability, positive socio-emotional cognitive changes, and good correlation with neuroimaging performed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion. There are sufficient elements to consider the proof of concept for the use of intranasal oxytocin in bvFTD as established, given that attributes such as safety, efficacy, and commercial viability are present.