Dementia is a term that describes a decline in mental abilities that interferes with daily life. There are many types of dementia, but one of the most common and least known is frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
FTD is a group of brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior and language. FTD occurs when nerve cells in these lobes die and the lobes shrink. Unlike other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, FTD usually does not affect memory or spatial orientation.
FTD can cause different symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected. Some common symptoms include:
- Changes in personality and behavior, such as becoming more impulsive, aggressive, apathetic or socially inappropriate
- Loss of empathy and emotional awareness
- Difficulty with language skills, such as speaking, understanding, reading or writing
- Problems with planning, organizing, reasoning and judgment
- Movement disorders, such as tremors, stiffness or muscle spasms
FTD typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 65, but it can also occur earlier or later in life. The exact cause of FTD is unknown, but it may be linked to genetic factors or environmental triggers. There is no cure for FTD yet, but there are treatments that can help manage some of the symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you or someone you know has signs of FTD, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A diagnosis of FTD can be challenging because there is no single test that can confirm it. Doctors usually rely on a combination of medical history, physical examination, neuropsychological tests and brain imaging scans to rule out other possible causes.
Living with FTD can be difficult for both the person affected and their family members and caregivers. However, there are resources and support groups available that can provide information, guidance and emotional support. You are not alone in this journey.