What is Frontotemporal Dementia and how is it different from other dementias?

All forms of dementia have negative effects on brain functioning. It is difficult to recognize the unique onset, symptoms and progression of Frontotemporal Dementia, Alzheimer's and other dementia. Here are some distinguishing factors for early diagnosis (Image: Pexels)

The family of Hollywood actor Bruce Willis announced that he would step away from acting due to his diagnosis of aphasia (inability to properly produce language) with facial recognition. Eventually, it was confirmed that Willis had Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), an uncommon neurodegenerative condition.

Frontotemporal Dementia is not as recognized as Alzheimer's disease, and affects younger individuals and brain regions responsible for personality, behaviour, and language.

Dr Rajat Menon, a neurologist who specializes in cognitive disorders based out of New Delhi, describes FTD as not only memory loss but "a radical change in personality, decision making, and communication that can impact family and other relationships, and functioning." All forms of dementia have negative effects on brain functioning, but Frontotemporal Dementia is unique in its onset, symptoms, and progression.

What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal Dementia is a collection of disorders due to degenerative damage to the frontal lobe and/or temporal lobe of the brain. These areas include a person’s behaviour, emotions, and language. The disease causes atrophy (shrinkage) in the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in pronounced shifts in personality and challenges in communication.

Dr Menon states, “In FTD, memory may be relatively intact in the early stages, which leads to the frequent misdiagnosis or misunderstanding.” FTD can emerge in people between 40 and 65 years old, making FTD one of the most common early-onset dementias.

Distinctive Symptoms of FTD

FTD may manifest differently than Alzheimer's in that, while memory problems are frequently the first and most evident symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, possible symptoms of FTD include:

• Apathy or lack of empathy

• Socially inappropriate behaviour

• Poor judgment and impulsivity

• Loss of language skills (which can be a subtype called primary progressive aphasia)

• Repetitive or obsessive behaviour For example, notice how Bruce Willis, the actor with language problems associated as aphasia, a form of FTD, struggled to communicate long before the public announcement of his eventual diagnosis.

Differences Between FTD, Alzheimer's, and Other Dementia

• Age of Onset:

FTD: Usually starts between 40-65 years of age.

Alzheimer’s: Most often diagnosed after the age of 65.

• Early Signs:

FTD: Affects behaviour, personality and language first (i.e., socially inappropriate behaviour, lack of empathy and impaired verbal communication).

Alzheimer’s: Impairs short-term memory at first, and then thinking, reasoning and judgement.

• Disease Progression:

FTD: Skips through stages faster and is more aggressive in its impact.

Alzheimer’s: Typically, progresses slowly through the stages, especially at the beginning.

• Treatment:

FTD: There is no cure and treatment is focused on maximizing quality of life by trying to manage symptoms, such as mood, behaviour and communication issues.

Alzheimer's: Also has no cure,, but has more FDA-approved options that can help alleviate symptoms like memory loss and confusion temporarily.

Dr Menon provided the advice, "FTD is not like Alzheimer’s, and whatever works for Alzheimer’s will probably not work for FTD

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.