3e. Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is caused when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain break down. We learned in lesson 2 that the frontal lobes are responsible for our movement, planning skills, behavior, and personality. Our temporal lobes are responsible for verbal and non-verbal information, processing emotions, and memory retention.
There are many different types of frontotemporal dementias. Let’s review a couple; use the flip cards below to learn more.
Pick's Disease
- Nerve cells become abnormal and swell up before they die
- The brain also has abnormal structures called Pick bodies; these are made up of tau proteins
Familial FTD
- Commonly linked to a genetic mutation
- Passed down through family
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
- Aphasia refers to a lack of language functions, such as speaking, naming objects, and understanding what someone is saying
- Begins as a language disorder and may progress to affect memory and attention
- Patients with PPA may eventually develop symptoms of dementia
Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:
Behavioral & Emotional
- Impulsive behaviors
- Extreme expressions of emotion
- Trouble planning or organizing
Movement
- Shaky hands
- Difficulty balancing or walking
Language
- Trouble understanding speech
- Difficulty talking
Patients with FTD live on average 5-10 years after they are diagnosed. They can experience memory loss in later stages of the disease.