Dementia Types: Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) accounts for about 10-20 percent of dementia cases. It is recognized as one of the most common presenile dementias (meaning it occurs in a younger population).

What is frontotemporal dementia?

FTD causes cell damage in the frontal lobe (behind the eyes) and temporal lobe (behind the ears), shrinking tissue and reducing brain functions such as judgment, emotions, speaking, understanding and movement. FTD is relatively more common in the younger population, with people often developing symptoms in their 50s or early 60s. FTD is comprised of multiple disorders with different core symptoms.

Diagnosing FTD is based on a physician’s judgment after a complete medical assessment including a thorough medical history, mental status testing and physical and neurological exams. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect shrinkage in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, which is a hallmark of FTD.

Core Symptoms

• Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) impacts personality and behavior. Subtle changes in personal relationships, interaction with others and mood may be noticeable in the beginning, and are sometimes mistaken for depression. As bvFTD progresses, a person may withdraw socially, lose restraint in personal relations and social activities, and have poor judgment or decision making abilities.
• Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) affects language skills in the beginning and behavior as the disorder advances. A person can speak, but uses broad general terms such as “animal” when referring to a “dog.” Comprehension of language may also become a problem as the disease advances. They may struggle to find words, or speech may seem delayed. The ability to read and write may also decline.
• Frontotemporal movement disorders affects involuntary, automatic muscle functions, and impairs language and behavior. A person may become shaky, notice muscle rigidity and spasms and loss of coordination. A person may have trouble with walking and balance, may fall frequently and notice muscle stiffness or affected eye movement.

What should I expect as a caregiver?

For caregivers, understanding common behavior changes of persons living with FTD is important. A person with FTD may struggle to speak or carry on a normal conversation. As the disease progresses, a person with FTD may become frustrated, anxious or embarrassed by their cognitive decline. A caregiver may need to provide emotional and physical support, as well as encouragement. Individuals with FTD may become forgetful, restless or experience rapid mood swings as the disease advances. Knowing how to balance a person’s safety and independence becomes more difficult as the disease progresses.

How can we help?

Meeting the demands of a loved one with Frontotemporal Dementia can be difficult and seem impossible. Memory care is all we do. We offer the following services dedicated to those living with memory impairments.

• Support, education and information for caregivers and family members.
• An environment that helps to keep residents safe and as independent as possible.
• Staff specially trained on caring for residents living with memory loss.
• Structured, engaging programs, 10 hours a day.
• Programs personalized for all levels of dementia and focused on what the resident can do, capitalizing on lifelong experiences and familiar routines.

Case Study Frontotemporal Dementia

Our Resident’s Story

Katey moved into Arden Courts when she turned 50 with a primary diagnosis of behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). Katey’s family completed a lifestyle biography prior to her move-in date. Arden Courts staff learned that Katey had been an English professor and was an avid reader. She was married to her college sweetheart and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved music and baking. She volunteered at the local animal shelter and attended Mass every Sunday.

ProMedica Memory Care Fund

The ProMedica Memory Care Fund assists those who are coping with memory loss and supports center services and caregiver education for the enrichment of all.