Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive, degenerative
brain disease that gradually destroys the ability to behave
appropriately, empathize with others, learn, reason, make
judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. In people
under age 60, FTD is the most common cause of dementia and
affects as many people as Alzheimer's disease in the 45-64 age
group. Men are affected more commonly than women. There are
several forms of the disease that lead to slightly different
behavioral, language and/or motor symptoms. Due to the symptoms,
FTD can be mistaken for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease
or a primarily psychiatric disorder like depression, manic-
depression, obsessive-compulsive disease or schizophrenia. There
is no treatment or cure yet that can reverse the damage, but
medications and lifestyle changes can help relieve the symptoms.
FTD is not contagious. What is Frontotemporal Dementia? To
Discuss With Your Doctor A good relationship and clear
communication with your doctor will result