Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), previously known as Pick’s disease, is a rare and progressive disorder that affects the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain, resulting in permanent loss of function. It is a more discriminatory form of Alzheimer’s disease and can affect anyone of middle or older age, with those with a family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia being at higher risk. FTD affects an individual’s personality, behaviors, motor skills, and overall personality, and is treated with medications to slow its progression and manage symptoms. The disease is triggered by cellular mutation and is diagnosed through imaging tests and blood tests. There is no cure for FTD, and treatment involves giving medications to slow the progression of the disease.
Atrophy of the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain resulting in permanent loss of function is known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Previously known as Pick’s disease, this rare condition is a more discriminatory form of Alzheimer’s disease. With a negative impact on an individual’s personality, frontotemporal dementia is a progressive disorder that is treated with medications to slow its progression and manage symptoms. Although the condition can affect anyone of middle or older age, those with a family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia are considered to be at a higher risk of becoming symptomatic.
The parts of the brain affected by the onset of the disease, namely the temporal and frontal lobes, are considered the connecting centers for all the elements that define one’s personality. A person’s ability to function is based primarily on their behaviors, motor skills, and overall personality. Those diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration experience a gradual loss of their neurological and motor skills. The well-known and profound impact of disease progression often necessitates assertive measures regarding long-term care planning for the individual.
Early onset of the disease frequently manifests itself as progressive personality changes that affect the ability to be self-reliant. Some people who have demonstrated a strong and consistent work history may suddenly become unable to sustain employment. Often, compulsive and inappropriate or aggressive behaviors, pronounced mood swings, or flat affect can affect an individual’s ability to interact successfully with colleagues, friends, and family. Some individuals who were once extroverts may begin to exhibit introversion or repetitive behaviors that stifle their ability to maintain social connections.
Eventually, behavior problems may be more complex as the person’s ability to communicate becomes impaired. Many may find it difficult to speak or understand the speech of others and lose the ability to communicate verbally or become mute. The gradual degeneration of one’s language skills results in the inability to read, write and understand verbal and written communications. The progression of neurological deficiencies further affects an individual’s ability to move and control their bodily functions. Cognitive deficits, which initially present as periodic memory loss, also worsen over time.
The shrinkage of brain tissue associated with frontotemporal dementia, also known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration, is thought to be triggered by cellular mutation. The original moniker, Pick’s disease, has been adopted more or less as an umbrella term for frontotemporal dementia. A key finding based on cell presentation and composition contributed to the formation of an early subtype of frontotemporal dementia that would retain the name Pick’s disease. The various, successive subtypes of frontotemporal dementia discovered were entirely classified on the types of brain cells affected. Despite its subtype classifications, signs and symptoms associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration disease remain consistent across the board of its cellular classifications; although the severity of symptom presentations can vary greatly between individuals.
When frontotemporal dementia is suspected, doctors typically order a battery of imaging tests and blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. To look for markers suggestive of atrophied or degenerating tissue, a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain may be done. Blood tests are used to evaluate organ function and hormone and chemical levels to rule out other conditions. In some cases, neurological tests may also be used which involve assessing one’s cognitive abilities, namely memory and information processing.
If individuals with this type of dementia have been diagnosed with an underlying or chronic condition, such as heart disease or clinical depression, treatment for the pre-existing condition is essential. In some cases, the existence of a secondary condition may contribute to disease progression or symptom severity. Treatment for frontotemporal dementia often involves giving medications to slow the progression of the disease. Antipsychotic and antidepressant medications can be used to counteract the behavioral manifestations of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and stabilize an individual’s mood, but their use carries significant risk for some individuals. There is no cure for frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
