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Frontotemporal Dementia: Navigating Life's Unexpected TurnsMonday, December 23, 2024
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Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for dementias that affect the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain. This contrasts with Alzheimer’s disease, which typically affects other brain areas. The frontal lobe is responsible for judgment and contains the filter that makes you pause and carefully consider your words before speaking. Frontotemporal dementia does not affect memory; in many cases, people with FTD have a very sharp and precise memory for details and dates.
Typical Onset and DiagnosisFTD typically presents between the ages of 45-65, much younger than Alzheimer’s disease. It is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder or overlooked for years before a correct diagnosis is made. FTD is usually diagnosed only after other conditions have been ruled out.
Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia
Impact on Social InteractionsIndividuals with FTD often have a sharp memory for details but lack empathy for others. This can result in them remembering and repeatedly mentioning details that are bothersome or offensive to others. Their lack of social awareness and etiquette can lead to socially inappropriate behavior, regardless of its impact on others.
This behavior often results in social isolation. It is not uncommon for someone with FTD to gradually push away friends and family due to their behaviors and inability to function socially. Because FTD presents at a young age, it is not always recognized as dementia or even as a medical condition. It can be mistaken for a midlife crisis or a reaction to stress or life events.
Effects on Family and FriendsThe effects on family members, friends, and others can be particularly difficult. When someone has Alzheimer’s disease, they may repeat the same question, but it is easier to reconcile that they truly don’t recall the information and don’t intend to cause distress. For example, they may ask, “Where is your husband?” each time they see you, reminding you of your recent divorce. You know they don’t intend to upset you; they honestly don’t remember the divorce.
In contrast, someone with FTD may say, “It’s no wonder your husband divorced you” each time they see you. While you know that FTD is a brain disorder, it is more challenging to remain objective.
Managing Frontotemporal DementiaSince one of the hallmark symptoms of FTD is a lack of insight into one’s own behavior or its impact on others, it is not effective to try to change that behavior. Behavior modification depends on someone being motivated to change either for themselves or to please someone else. Someone with FTD is not motivated to change because they are unaware of their behavior and are not empathetic to the needs of others. Expecting to change their behavior is not effective. Learning to cope with the behaviors and remain emotionally objective is the only effective way to manage FTD.
Success Tips
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