Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a collective term for a group of dementias caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. It primarily affects behaviour, personality and language.
What is Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex progressive condition of the brain which can affect behaviour, personality and language.
FTD occurs less often than other types of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. It is generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 45 and 65.
The three main types of FTD are behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD), language variant FTD, including progressive non fluent aphasia (PNFA) and semantic dementia.
Keep reading this page to learn more about:
Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
As with most types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) will affect everyone differently. Cognitive and communication symptoms will depend on which type of FTD the person has and which parts of the frontal and temporal lobes are affected. Any noticeable changes in behaviour or personality can also depend on the individual.
The person living with frontotemporal dementia may experience the following:
Changes in personality and behavior
These can include becoming less inhibited, e.g. making inappropriate comments or acting impulsivly. The person may also lose the ability to empathise with others and this can appear uncaring, cold or selfish.
Compulsive or repetitive behaviours are also common, as are cravings for sweet or fatty foods.
Problems with communication and language
These can include developing slow or hesitant speech e.g. speaking in shorter sentences or finding it difficult to start a conversation; preferring to listen instead. Communication can also become less fluent e.g. making mistakes, increasing the number of pauses in speech or having difficulty finding the right words or sounds.
Cognitive symptoms
These can include struggling with planning and organising, getting distracted easily, or experiencing difficulty with finacial matters. Because it is common for FTD to be diagnosed between the ages of 45-65, these symptoms often come to light at work.
Unlike more common forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is not an early sign of FTD and usually happens as the dementia progresses.
Symptom progression
These symptoms may be mild at first, but they will advance over time, and this can make day-to-day activities difficult.
Types of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
We have created information sheets that will allow you to learn more about the various types of frontotemporal dementia.
You can download them here:
Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
Formerly known as Pick’s Disease, Behaviour variant FTD is diagnosed in about two thirds of people with FTD.
Progressive non fluent aphasia (PNFA)
Progressive non fluent aphasia (PNFA) is the name given to a condition that affects a person’s ability to use language.
Semantic dementia
Semantic dementia is a variant of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and can be the cause of young onset dementia.
Living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
If you are living with frontotemporal dementia it is important to remain stimulated and have things to do. Research suggests that when people who are living with FTD become bored, there is a higher chance they will be affected by depression, anxiety, agitation and experience other symptoms such as hallucinations and delirium.
Maintaining a routine can also help minimise feelings of restlessness and frustration and help promote a sense of calm
Speech and language therapy can be helpful to develop coping strategies in the early stages and help in the later stages if swallowing becomes difficult.
► Learn more about living with dementia
Caring for someone living with frontotemporal dementia
Dealing with behaviour changes can be difficult for carers and/or family members, but rather than trying to challenge these behaviours, it is often better to find a way to make them manageable. Removing triggers, avoiding certain situations or providing positive distractions can help.
If the person you care for seems inflexible or fixated with things in a compulsive way, you can help them maintain a fixed routine to minimise the impact this has on day-to-day living.
Additional Support
Alzheimer Scotland can also help through our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline, Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centres, our Dementia Advisors and our Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers.
Our community and support
Alzheimer Scotland offers support services and therapeutic activities all across the country. Find out how we support people living with dementia and their families and carers in the local community.