Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), also known as Pick’s Disease, affects nearly 200,000 people between the ages of 40 and 65 in the U.S. every year. FTD disorder affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain that cause changes in personality and behavior, according to top dementia specialists.
BY: GUY JABBAR
Frontotemporal dementia is a challenging condition for both the patient and family members. This long-lasting cognitive disorder affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to personality changes, behavioral disturbances, and language difficulties. Unfortunately, however, there’s currently no cure or treatment for frontotemporal dementia, although research into treatments is ongoing.
Living with FTD can be Frightening, Frustrating, and Embarrassing
FTD affects a person’s behavior and personality, which leads to speech problems and, in rare cases, can cause motor-related problems. 10 Common symptoms include, but not limited to, are:
- Increasingly inappropriate social behavior that can be impulsive or repetitive
- Repetitive compulsive behavior, such as tapping, clapping or smacking your lips
- Loss of empathy and other interpersonal skills, such as having sensitivity to another’s feelings
- Frequent mood changes causing rapid, extreme, and long-lasting stress or hormonal shifts
- Lack of judgment and apathy increasing changes in a person’s personality, emotions, and cognitive function
- Eating habits changes, usually overeating, developing a preference for sweets and carbohydrates, or eating inedible objects
- Distractibility, which diverts one’s attention from something worrying or unpleasant by doing something different or more pleasurable
- Difficulty understanding written and spoken language, such as having trouble finding the right word to use in speech or naming objects
- Forgetfulness, no longer knowing word meanings
- Making mistakes in sentence construction, causing a decline in your sentence-building skills
Life could be lonely and difficult living with FTD
Life could be difficult living with FTD. Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for this disorder. It usually leads to a short life expectancy, ranging from 2 to 10 years.
Today, with the new advancements in science and technology, medical professionals are researching this condition to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life through therapies and medications, addressing the underlying cause remains a challenge.
Early diagnosis and supportive care are essential for individuals affected by FTD. If you or someone you know shows symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial.
And remember, even without a cure, compassionate care can significantly impact the well-being of those living with this regrettable illness.
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