Frontotemporal dementia
- Article
- 2021-03-07
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a clinical syndrome associated with the shrinking of the frontal and temporal anterior lobes of the brain. Originally known as Pick's disease, the name and classification of FTD has been a topic of debate for over a century. The current designation of the syndrome groups Pick's disease, primary progressive aphasia and semantic dementia as FTD. Some doctors suggest adding corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy to FTD and naming the group Pick Complex. These appointments will be further debated. As defined today, the symptoms of FTD break down into two clinical patterns that involve either (1) behavioral changes or (2) language difficulties. The first type features behavior that can be either impulsive (uninhibited) or bored and lethargic (apathetic), and includes inappropriate social behavior; lack of social tact; lack of compassion; distractibility; loss of insight into the behavior of oneself and others; an increased interest in sex; changes in food preferences; agitation or, conversely, blunted emotions; neglect of personal hygiene; repetitive or compulsive behavior and reduced energy and motivation. The second type mainly exhibits symptoms of language disorders, including difficulty making or understanding speech, often in combination with the symptoms of the behavioral type. Spatial skills and memory remain intact. The disease has a strong genetic component; FTD often runs in families. loss of insight into the behavior of oneself and others; an increased interest in sex; changes in food preferences; agitation or, conversely, blunted emotions; neglect of personal hygiene; repetitive or compulsive behavior and reduced energy and motivation. The second type mainly exhibits symptoms of language disorders, including difficulty making or understanding speech, often in combination with the symptoms of the behavioral type. Spatial skills and memory remain intact. The disease has a strong genetic component; FTD often runs in families. loss of insight into the behavior of oneself and others; an increased interest in sex; changes in food preferences; agitation or, conversely, blunted emotions; neglect of personal hygiene; repetitive or compulsive behavior and reduced energy and motivation. The second type mainly exhibits symptoms of language disorders, including difficulty making or understanding speech, often in combination with the symptoms of the behavioral type. Spatial skills and memory remain intact. The disease has a strong genetic component; FTD often runs in families. The second type mainly exhibits symptoms of language disorders, including difficulty making or understanding speech, often in combination with the symptoms of the behavioral type. Spatial skills and memory remain intact. The disease has a strong genetic component; FTD often runs in families. The second type mainly exhibits symptoms of language disorders, including difficulty making or understanding speech, often in combination with the symptoms of the behavioral type. Spatial skills and memory remain intact. The disease has a strong genetic component; FTD often runs in families.
Therapy
Treatment has not been shown to slow the progression of FTD. Behavioral modification can help control unacceptable or dangerous behavior. Medication may be required for aggressive, agitated, or dangerous behavior. Antidepressants have been shown to improve some symptoms.
Prognosis
The outcome for people with FTD is bad. The disease progresses steadily and often quickly, ranging from less than 2 years in some individuals to more than 10 years in others. Ultimately, some individuals with FTD will require 24-hour care and monitoring, at home or in an institutionalized care setting.
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