Frontotemporal Dementia
Overview
Frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon type of dementia that affects the front and sides of the brain (called the frontal and temporal lobes) and causes problems with behavior and language.
Dementia is the name given for problems with mental abilities caused by gradual changes and damage in the brain. It affects people above the age of 65 years, but frontotemporal dementia tends to start at a younger age. Frontotemporal dementia affects the front and sides of the brain (the frontal and temporal lobes).
People mostly aged 50-65 are diagnosed quite often, although it can also affect the younger or older population.
Symptoms
The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may be different from one person to another. They get worse over time, usually over the years.
• People with frontotemporal dementia tend to have clusters of symptom types that occur together. They also may have more than one cluster of symptom types.
• Behavioral changes - The most common symptoms of frontotemporal dementia involve extreme changes in behavior and personality.
They could be inappropriate social behavior, loss of interpersonal skills, lack of judgment, lack of inhibition, and lack of interest, also known as apathy.
• Compulsive behaviors like clapping, or smacking lips repeatedly.
-No personal hygiene.
• Changes in eating habits. People with FTD typically overeat or prefer to eat sweets and carbohydrates. Eating objects and wanting to put things in their mouth, not knowing what they are doing.
Causes & Risks
• The frontal and temporal lobes of the brain shrink and certain substances build up in the brain, in frontotemporal dementia. But the cause of these changes is unknown.
• Some genetic changes have been linked to frontotemporal dementia. However, more than half of the people have no family history of dementia.
• Research confirms that some frontotemporal dementia gene changes are seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. More research is being done to understand the connection between these conditions.
• Your risk of getting frontotemporal dementia is higher if you have a family history of dementia. There are no other known risk factors.
• An individual's risk of getting frontotemporal dementia is higher if he or she has a family history of dementia. There are no other risk factors known so far.
Test & Diagnosis
There is no one test for frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
• Healthcare professionals consider the symptoms and exclude other possible causes. Frontal temporal dementia can be hard to diagnose early because symptoms of frontotemporal dementia often overlap with other types.
• The doctor may order tests for the condition.
• Blood tests - To help rule out other conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, one may need blood tests.
• Sleep Apnea - some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can be like those of frontotemporal dementia. These can include changes in memory, thinking, and behavior. An individual may need a sleep study if they experience loud snoring and pauses in breathing while sleeping. A sleep study can help rule out obstructive sleep apnea as a cause of your symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for FTD is to manage symptoms, improve the patient's quality of life, and support the affected individuals and their loved ones. There is certainly no cure for FTD as of now.
Treatment techniques for FTD might be:
• Medicines – Prescribed medications can help manage specific symptoms of FTD. These might include antidepressants or mood stabilizers to address behavioral changes, agitation, or depression. But, these responses can vary among individuals, and their use should be carefully monitored.
• Behavioral Interventions - Behavioral therapy can assist in managing behavioral symptoms and supporting emotional well-being for both the affected individual and their families.
• Speech Therapy - Speech therapists guide individuals experiencing language difficulties.
• Therapy - Occupational therapists can help individuals with FTD adapt to daily activities, manage changes in cognitive abilities, and recommend aids.
• Care - Providing a supportive environment, tailored to the specific needs of the individual, is of utmost importance.
Living With
Living with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) can face challenges for affected individuals, due to the progressive nature of the condition.
Some aspects of living with FTD may be -
FTD can lead to alterations in behavior, personality, and emotions. This might manifest as impulsivity, disinhibition, apathy, social withdrawal, mood swings, or changes in eating habits. Individuals may experience problems with language, including difficulty finding words or expressing their thoughts.
As FTD progresses, individuals may face difficulties in managing daily activities, performing tasks, or maintaining independence.
Family members or caregivers of individuals with FTD face considerable challenges in providing care, managing behavioral symptoms, and coping with the emotional and practical implications of caring for someone with a progressively debilitating condition.
FTD affects various aspects of an individual's life, so specialized care tailored to the specific needs of the person with FTD is crucial.
Complications
• Some individuals have physical symptoms, like tremors, muscle spasms or weakness, poor coordination and balance, or difficulty swallowing.
• Psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, also may occur, although these are not as common as behavioral and language changes.
• Pneumonia can be the most common cause of death in persons with frontotemporal dementia. They also are at increased risk for infections and fall-related injuries.
• As FTD worsens, an individual might engage in dangerous behaviors or be unable to care for himself or herself.
• The patient may need 24-hour nursing care or may need to stay in an assisted living facility like a nursing home.
