When you hear hoofbeats, think horses and zebras: The importance of a wide differential when it comes to frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (Frontotemporal dementia in DSM 4/FTD) is a progressive brain disease which frequently presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Prevalence of FTD is low, however the prognosis is poor. Early identification of FTD may improve quality of life, minimize behavioral disturbances and help with end of life planning. Diagnosis of FTD is often a diagnostic challenge as it has wide differentials. Authors discuss three clinical cases with their initial clinical presentation, diagnostic complexity and subsequent management.