Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that is caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These regions are responsible for a range of functions, including decision-making, social behavior, language, and emotional regulation. FTD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people in the United States, making up about 5-10% of all dementia cases.

FTD is sometimes referred to as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) or Pick's disease, named after Arnold Pick, a Czech physician who first described the condition in 1892. It typically affects people in their 50s or 60s, although it can occur at any age, including in younger adults.

Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia

The symptoms of FTD can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, and they can also differ from person to person. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that are associated with FTD, including:

[b]Changes in personality and behavior: [/b]This is often the first sign of FTD. A person with FTD may become more impulsive, uninhibited, or apathetic. They may show a lack of empathy or become socially inappropriate.
Difficulty with language: Some people with FTD have trouble with language, including speaking, understanding, and finding the right words to express themselves. Read more