What is ftd

These problems can make daily activities increasingly difficult, and the person may eventually be unable to look after themselves. Read more about the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia. See a GP if you think you have early symptoms of dementia. If you're worried about someone else, encourage them to make an appointment with a GP and perhaps suggest you go with them.

The GP can do some simple checks to try to find the cause of your symptoms, and they can refer you to a memory clinic or another specialist for further tests if needed. Read more about the tests used to diagnose dementia. There's currently no cure for frontotemporal dementia or any treatment that will slow it down.

Read more about how frontotemporal dementia is treated. How quickly frontotemporal dementia gets worse varies from person to person and is very difficult to predict. People with the condition can become socially isolated as the illness progresses. They may not want to spend time in the company of others, or may behave in rude or insulting ways.

Home-based help will usually be needed at some stage, and some people will eventually need care in a nursing home.

The average survival time after symptoms start is around 8 to 10 years. But this is highly variable and some people live much longer than this.

The cause of FTD is unknown. Researchers have linked certain subtypes of FTD to mutations on several genes. Some people with FTD have tiny structures, called Pick bodies, in their brain cells.

Pick bodies contain an abnormal amount or type of protein. A family history of FTD is the only known risk for these diseases. Although experts believe that some cases of FTD are inherited, most people with FTD have no family history of it or other types of dementia.

Symptoms of FTD start gradually and progress steadily, and in some cases, rapidly. They vary from person to person, depending on the areas of the brain involved. These are common symptoms:. Psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, also may occur, although these are not as common as behavioral and language changes. Family members are often the first to notice subtle changes in behavior or language skills. No single test can diagnose FTD.

Typically, healthcare providers will order routine blood tests and perform physical exams to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. If they suspect dementia, they may:. Currently, no treatments are available to cure or slow the progression of FTD, but healthcare providers may prescribe medicine to treat symptoms. Antidepressants may help treat anxiety and control obsessive-compulsive behaviors and other symptoms.

Prescription sleeping aids can help ease insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Antipsychotic medicine may reduce irrational and compulsive behaviors. Speech and language pathologists and physical and occupational therapists can help adjustment to some of the changes caused by FTD. But it can lead to an increased risk for other illnesses that can be more serious.

Pneumonia is the most common cause of death, with FTD. People are also at increased risk for infections and fall-related injuries. As FTD progressively worsens, people may engage in dangerous behaviors or be unable to care for themselves. They may need hour nursing care or to stay in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Coping with FTD can be frightening, frustrating, and embarrassing for the patient and family members. Families need to maintain their own well-being, while ensuring that their loved one is treated with dignity and respect. Your risk of developing frontotemporal dementia is higher if you have a family history of dementia.

There are no other known risk factors. Frontotemporal dementia care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of uncommon brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Frontotemporal dementia adult. Mayo Clinic. Accessed Sept. Jameson JL, et al.

Frontotemporal dementia. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The McGraw-Hill Companies; Olney NT, et al. Neurologic Clinics. Bang J, et al. Non-Alzheimer's dementia 1: Frontotemporal dementia.

The Lancet.