Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that affects how you think, act and communicate. It’s not as well-known as Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s one of the most common forms of dementia in people under 60.
At Banner Health, we know how challenging FTD can be. We offer evaluations, personalized care plans and support for caregivers and families. Our dementia care specialists are here to help you or your loved one live as well as possible with FTD.
We also provide opportunities to join research programs that may lead to future treatment options.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that arise from degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These lobes control behavior, speech and language.
FTD affects how you think, act and communicate and gets worse over time.
FTD is different from Alzheimer’s disease:
- The average age for onset of FTD is between ages 45 and 64 while Alzheimer’s disease usually starts after age 65. However, both can occur at any age.
- Since FTD typically has onset during working years it can have a bigger impact on your work, family and finances.
- FTD usually begins with changes in personality or communication. Memory loss is more typical in early Alzheimer’s.
- While memory issues in Alzheimer’s might make you struggle to find the right word, language changes in FTD often creates deeper challenges with speech, understanding others or reading.
- Psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) is more common in early Alzheimer’s but can also present in certain types of FTD. In fact, with some genetic variants of FTD, psychosis can be one of the first symptoms.
What are common symptoms of FTD?
The symptoms depend on which parts of the brain are affected. They can be different from person to person. Common symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:
- Changes in personality or mood, which are often the earliest signs
- Poor judgment or inappropriate social behavior, such as making bad decisions, losing inhibitions or intruding on others
- Compulsive behaviors like overeating, gambling, pacing or repetitive motions
- Impulsive behaviors like inappropriate sexual behavior, excessive spending or stealing
- Trouble with planning or staying organized
- Loss of empathy or interest in others
- Emotional withdrawal (apathy), low motivation, social withdrawal or reduced self-care
- Inappropriate laughing or crying (pseudobulbar affect)
- Personal hygiene problems
- Trouble with speech or understanding language (primary progressive aphasia) when language symptoms are the first and most predominant symptoms
- Movement problems including stiffness, tremors, spasms, poor coordination, balance issues or trouble swallowing
These symptoms can be confused with depression, anxiety or Parkinson’s disease, especially early on. If they persist or get worse over time, FTD may be the cause. That’s why it’s important to consult a health care provider to evaluate any symptoms.
What are the types of FTD?
FTD comes in different forms depending on what part of the brain is affected. Each subtype brings different behavioral, speech or language challenges. Knowing the subtype can guide your care.
The main subtypes include:
- Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD): This is the most common form, causing major changes in personality, behavior and judgment. It impacts brain regions related to conduct, empathy and foresight. It’s more common in males.
- Progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA): A form of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), it affects the ability to speak. People may have trouble forming complete sentences, pronouncing words or finding the right words. They may hesitate when they speak, make grammar errors or leave words out. It’s more common in females. It’s also known as nonfluent/agrammatic PPA (nfvPPA).
- Semantic variant PPA (svPPA): With this type, people lose the ability to understand the meaning of words, recognize objects and faces or recall names. Their speech may sound fluent, but it doesn’t make sense. It’s more common in males and is a subtype of semantic dementia (when more than language is involved).
FTD may be diagnosed along with related conditions like:
- ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease), which causes muscle weakness and wasting
- Corticobasal syndrome, leading to uncoordinated or stiff arms and legs
- Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which causes stiffness, balance issues, trouble walking and eye movement problems
Who is at risk for FTD?
FTD usually affects people aged 45 to 60, but it can develop as early as age 20 or as late as age 80.
Family history increases your risk. Up to 40% of people with FTD have a relative with a related disorder. However, many people with FTD don’t have anyone in their family who has it. Genetic counseling may help you understand your personal risk.
A history of head trauma is also linked to FTD.
Why is early diagnosis important?
FTD symptoms can be similar to other types of dementia or mental health issues, so seeing a dementia specialist early is important.
Diagnostic evaluation may include:
- Medical history
- Neurological exams
- MRI or PET scans
- Lumbar puncture
- Electroencephalography (EEG), though this is less common
Identifying which lobes of the brain are affected helps guide your care plan. FTD may progress quickly, so early diagnosis helps families plan, connect with support and begin care strategies. Many people with FTD lose awareness of their symptoms and don’t believe they need care.
Muscle difficulties can affect swallowing, mobility or bladder function as the disease progresses. As FTD gets worse, complications like pneumonia, infections or falls may occur. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death.
On average, people with FTD live about six to eight years after symptoms begin, though this can range from two to 20 years.
How can caregivers and families get support?
Helping someone with FTD is hard, but you’re not alone. Support is available. It can help to:
How Banner Health can help
At Banner Health, our team supports you through diagnosis and the care journey. Although no treatments cure or slow FTD, options can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
We offer:
- Comprehensive cognitive disorder evaluations
- Personalized symptom management, including medications that may help with irritability, depression, insomnia or behaviors
- Speech, physical and occupational therapists to help manage changes
- Virtual and in-person caregiver support groups
- Access to research programs and clinical trials
Are you ready to talk to a specialist?
If you or a loved one shows signs of frontotemporal dementia, early evaluation makes a big difference. Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health memory specialist today to get support, guidance and answers.
Sign in to Patient Account
