This is an uncommon type of dementia that affects the front and the sides of the brain. Dementia is the loss of mental ability that can impact an individual’s everyday activities and can become worse with time. This condition refers to the frontal and the temporal parts of the brain that become affected with dementia. The frontotemporal parts of the brain are essential for controlling the behavior of an individual. This condition can begin among the younger and the older people. The survival rate for these cases is estimated to be around 8 to 10 years from the time the symptoms start, although this can vary.
Causes
This type of dementia occurs with the shrinking of the frontal and the temporal lobes of the brain. Although the cause of this disorder is not known, genetic mutation has been associated with the various subtypes of frontotemporal dementia. In some of the cases, this dementia develops as the result of abnormal tau protein-filled structures within the brain cells.
Symptoms
The symptoms develop as the result of the damage that occurs in various parts of the frontal and the temporal lobes of the brain. Depending on the symptoms that develop and the areas of the brain affected, the frontotemporal dementia is divided into behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, progressive non-fluent aphasia and semantic dementia. Individuals diagnosed with the behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia exhibit changes in the personality and the behavior which can include inappropriate social behavior, loss of interest and compulsive repetitive behavior. The other two types of frontotemporal dementia, the affected individuals have problems with the language that may deteriorate over the years. In addition, these cases can also develop the motor disorder that presents difficulties with movements. As the disease progresses, the symptoms appear similar to the late stages of alzheimer’s disease.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a medical evaluation if an individual is suspected of exhibiting early symptoms of dementia. In the case dementia is suspected, the individual will be referred to a specialist who will perform a physical examination and assess the mental abilities. Also, blood tests and brain scans may be required which can help evaluate the cause of the problem.
Treatment
There is no cure for frontotemporal dementia and no effective treatment available to slow the progression of the disease. However, there are medications available that can help the affected individual manage the symptoms. This includes the antidepressants and antipsychotics that can help reduce the behavioral problems that are associated with frontotemporal dementia. Additional supportive care includes occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy which can help the individual adapt to various lost functions and to manage the symptoms.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/frontotemporal-dementia/pages/introduction.aspx
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20007/types_of_dementia/11/frontotemporal_dementia/2
