Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia: Symptoms, Causes and Care

Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia and How to Pronounce It

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, communication skills, and other cognitive functions. There are many different types of dementia, each affecting the brain in different ways. One type that many people may not be as familiar with is frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive brain disorder that damages the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These regions are generally associated with personality, behavior, language, and movement. As frontotemporal dementia progresses, a person's ability in these areas can become increasingly impaired.

Frontotemporal dementia is sometimes referred to as Pick's disease or frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). It accounts for about 10-20% of all dementia cases. Frontotemporal dementia tends to occur at an earlier age than other common dementias like Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms often emerge when people are in their 50s and 60s.

Common Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia

The early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia can be subtle and vary quite a bit from one person to the next. Some of the more common early symptoms include:

• Personality and behavior changes - People may act in socially inappropriate ways or become apathetic and unmotivated.
• Language problems - Individuals can have trouble finding the right words or understanding others.
• Lack of inhibition - People may act impulsively without regard for consequences.
• Repetitive compulsive behaviors - Someone might develop compulsive rituals or habits.
• Lack of empathy - Individuals become unable to understand others feelings.
• Poor judgment - Decision-making abilities decline.

As frontotemporal dementia progresses to later stages, symptoms get more severe. These can include significant changes in personality, extreme apathy, loss of speech abilities, difficulty walking, and eventually needing full-time care.

What Causes Frontotemporal Dementia?

In frontotemporal dementia, clumps of abnormal protein deposits build up and cause damage in the frontal and temporal regions of the brain. This damages and kills nerve cells over time. Exactly why this protein buildup happens is still not fully understood.

In many cases, frontotemporal dementia is believed to have a strong genetic link. Up to 40% of those with frontotemporal dementia have a family history of dementia. Certain genetic mutations have been associated with the disease.

How is Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing frontotemporal dementia can be challenging, especially in the early stages. Doctors will typically:

• Ask about symptoms and medical history
• Conduct physical and neurological exams
• Run blood tests to rule out other causes
• Perform brain imaging tests like MRI or CT scans
• Assess language, cognition, and behavior

These evaluations can help identify characteristic patterns of brain atrophy and rule out other conditions like Alzheimer's. However, a definitive diagnosis often requires checking samples of brain tissue at autopsy after death.

Frontotemporal Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease

Frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's have some overlapping symptoms, but key differences. Alzheimer's usually begins with memory and thinking problems. Frontotemporal dementia is more likely to initially affect behavior and language abilities.

Alzheimer's disease starts in the hippocampus where memories form. With frontotemporal dementia, atrophy begins in the frontal and temporal lobes. While Alzheimer's patients often have trouble recalling conversations and events, frontotemporal dementia patients can remember these well but act inappropriately regardless.

How Do You Pronounce Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia is sometimes mispronounced as "fronto-temporal" dementia. But the correct medical pronunciation is:

• Fron-toe-tem-por-al dementia.

It's important to pronounce the disorder correctly to avoid confusion. The right pronunciation highlights the fact that the disease affects the frontal and temporal regions of the brain.

Treatment Options for Frontotemporal Dementia

Unfortunately, there are no treatments currently available to slow or stop the progression of frontotemporal dementia. Management focuses on easing symptoms and providing support through the stages of disease.

Doctors may prescribe medications to help control behavior and emotional issues that often accompany frontotemporal dementia. These may include antidepressants or antipsychotics in some cases. Speech and occupational therapies can also help manage symptoms.

Providing a stable, familiar environment and sticking to a routine are important. Caregiver education and support groups can also help families better cope with their loved one's progressive symptoms.

Caring for Someone with Frontotemporal Dementia

Caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia presents unique challenges. As personalities and behaviors change, caregivers should:

• Maintain structure through routines
• Avoid triggers that lead to outbursts
• Use short, simple phrases when communicating
• Redirect repetitive behaviors when appropriate
• Ensure safety with supervision

It's important for caregivers to get support and respite care when needed. Joining a caregiver support group can also provide tips and comfort through the difficulties of dementia caregiving.

The Prognosis of Frontotemporal Dementia

The course of frontotemporal dementia varies, but it is a progressively worsening disorder. After diagnosis, people with FTD live an average of 6 to 8 years. Some may live up to 10 or more years depending on factors like age of onset and genetics.

In the later stages of the disease, most individuals require around-the-clock care. Serious complications like pneumonia, infection, or choking incidents can arise. Providing comfort care near the end of a person's life is a difficult but important part of the dementia caregiving journey.

Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia and Finding Support

Coping with frontotemporal dementia is undoubtedly challenging. Educating yourself on the symptoms, treatment options, and care strategies can help you better support someone living with FTD. Reaching out to communities and resources tailored for dementia caregivers can also provide the understanding and help needed along the way.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.