Frontal lobe dementia (FLD) is a degenerative disease that affects brain function similar to Alzheimer’s. It has no cure, and treatment focuses on symptom management, including medication and speech therapy. FLD often presents with behavioral, motor, and speech and language symptoms and can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. There is no definitive test for FLD, and diagnosis involves a variety of tests, including neuropsychological exams and imaging.
Frontal lobe dementia (FLD) is a degenerative disease that negatively affects brain function in ways similar to those associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals diagnosed with this form of dementia often have no family history of frontotemporal lobar degeneration or symptoms of dementia. Historically known as Pick’s disease, there is no cure for this progressive condition. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and often involves medication and, in some cases, speech therapy.
There is no known single cause for the loss of brain function associated with the development of frontal lobe dementia. In many cases, a genetic deficiency or cellular mutation has been identified as a contributing factor to the presentation and progression of symptoms. The condition originally carried the nickname Pick’s disease because it affects areas of gray matter that contain brain cells known as Pick’s bodies. Due to the many dementia presentations, frontal lobe dementia is now used to designate a group of disorders affecting the frontal lobe. As research has continued, the name Pick’s disease has been reassigned to designate those forms of frontal lobe dementia that primarily affect Pick’s bodies and present with specific characteristics.
Often, individuals who show signs and symptoms of frontal lobe dementia can be misdiagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease. There is no definitive test to establish a diagnosis of frontal lobe dementia, so a variety of tests can be administered to identify key signs associated with the condition. Before any lab tests, an examination of one’s neuropsychological function may be conducted to assess one’s memory, language, and reasoning skills. Initially, a series of blood tests may be done to evaluate hormone and electrolyte levels and organ function. A variety of imaging tests, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, may be done to evaluate the condition and function of the brain and to check for abnormalities, such as bleeding or blood clots.
The signs and symptoms associated with frontal lobe dementia are usually gradual in onset and progressive in development, often presenting in middle-aged individuals. Primarily, the manifestation of symptoms includes behavior, motor skills, and speech and language skills. Behavioral signs can negatively affect one’s personality and present in a variety of ways, including apathy, compulsive behaviors, and uncharacteristic or inappropriate situational behaviors or responses. Individuals whose symptoms have progressed to impair their motor function may develop symptoms that include impaired muscle function, lack of coordination, and tremors. Over time, it is not uncommon for symptomatic individuals to gradually lose the ability to communicate or understand language.
The debilitating effects of frontal lobe dementia often ultimately require around-the-clock care for symptomatic individuals. With no cure available, treatment is all about managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Antidepressant and antipsychotic medications are usually given to relieve depression and counteract the effects of its behavioral problems. If he begins to show impaired communication skills, speech therapy can be used to teach him new ways to communicate.
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