Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia Causes
Frontotemporal dementia is caused by the degeneration of the frontal lobe that extends to the temporal lobe. There are different pathologies associated with FTD. Genetics have also revealed two dominant mutations in individuals with FTD.
Frontotemporal Dementia Definition
Frontotemporal demential is considered to be a clinical syndrome wherein the cause of the condition is due to a degeneration of the brain's frontal lobe and extends to the temporal lobe. This syndrome can occur in patients diagnosed with a motor neuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. It often occurs in people of young age. When FTD is diagnosed together with MND, the prognosis is worse.
Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis
Diagnosis of FTD include subjecting the patient to MRI scan imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cortical thickness measurements, PET scans and functional imaging.
Frontotemporal Dementia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms relate to the function of the frontal and temporal lobe. As these lobes degenerate, the individual slowly regresses relating to performance of such functions. Symptoms can be categorized into two: behavioral and executive functioning symptoms. Behavioral symptoms include apathy as well as asponteniety. Patients are observed to be socially withdrawn and unable to care for themselves. Disinhibition can also be observed from the patients wherein the patients make inappropriate comments or does inappropriate acts. Executive functioning symptoms include the inability to perform skills requiring sequencing or complex planning. Primitive reflexes also begin to appear in patients with FTD. These reflexes are also known as frontal release signs and can be among the following: palmomental reflex, palmar grasp, and rooting reflex.
Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment
There is no known cure for FTD as of yet. Treatment includes management of symptoms such as controlling behavioral manifestations and aiding with motor disabilities.