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Frontotemporal

What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia is mostly uncommon as is categorised by problems with behaviour and speech.

It gets its name from the affect it has on the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Whilst other types of dementia are usually diagnosed in people over 65, Frontotemporal diagnosis tends to happen between the ages of 45 to 65.

As with other types of dementia, symptoms will get progressively worse over time.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms are listed below. It is important to know that they will not all present at the same time. As the disease progresses more symptoms will become noticeable or progressively get worse.

  • Personality and Behavioural Changes
  • Incontinence or losing control of the bowel or bladder (tends to be later in progression of the condition)
  • Difficulty planning and organising
  • Memory and language problems
  • Stiff movements and muscle weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will normally be performed by initially gathering an understanding of symptoms – either from the person with the condition or someone close to them who will be able to identify changes in physical or mental behaviour.

This may then progress to scans: MRI, CT and PET scans can be used to get a better understanding of what is happening in the brain and potentially rule out any other causes. Lumbar punctures may also be used to analyse cerebral spinal fluid which is fluid that supports the brain and spine.