Frontotemporal Dementia
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Frontotemporal Dementia is a brain disorder that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes, which control behavior, personality, and language. It causes changes in thinking, behavior, and communication that worsen over time. People with this condition may have difficulty with decision-making, social interactions, and speaking clearly. Unlike other dementias, memory loss is often less prominent early on. The disease impacts the nervous system and leads to significant challenges in daily life and relationships.
Clinical Definition
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The core pathology involves abnormal accumulation of proteins such as tau, TDP-43, or FUS, leading to neuronal loss and gliosis. FTD typically presents with prominent behavioral changes, executive dysfunction, or language impairment (primary progressive aphasia). It is often caused by genetic mutations in genes like MAPT, GRN, or C9orf72. FTD is a major cause of early-onset dementia and differs from Alzheimer's disease by its earlier onset and predominant behavioral and language symptoms rather than memory loss.