Frontotemporal dementia is a medical term used to describe a group of diseases that lead to the progressive shrinkage of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This disorder accounts for approximately 10 to 20 percent of all cases of dementia and affects nearly 250,000 people in the United States, according to the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias. The onset of frontotemporal dementia symptoms typically occurs in patients near age 60. Talk with a doctor if you or your loved one begin developing frontotemporal dementia symptoms.
Behavioral Changes
Deterioration of the frontal and temporal regions of the brain can lead to significant behavioral changes in patients with frontotemporal dementia. You may notice that your loved one begins to swear, dress inappropriately, overeat, shoplift or engage in other unusual behavior. Your loved one may not understand why his behavior is inappropriate and can become angry or stubborn if reprimanded for such behavior. Personal hygiene habits such as showering or brushing the teeth can significantly decline in patients with frontotemporal dementia. This condition may also result in the emergence of repetitive or compulsive behavior, warn health officials at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Such behaviors can include persistent humming or pacing back and forth. These behavioral changes resulting from frontotemporal dementia can lead to poor social or work interactions, which may negatively impact these relationships.
Language Difficulties
Patients with frontotemporal dementia typically experience progressive language difficulties as a symptom of this condition. Your loved one can have difficulty expressing herself verbally or may be unable to recall what certain items are called, such as her keys, eyeglasses or purse. Frontotemporal dementia patients who develop language difficulties can become embarrassed and may begin to speak less frequently, says the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias. Your loved one can also have difficulty reading or understanding verbal conversations between family members, friends or colleagues. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your loved one develop language difficulties as this symptom may be indicative of an alternate medical condition such as a stroke.
Cognitive Function Decline
This condition can lead to the progressive decline of cognitive function, explain medical professionals at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Ill.. You may notice that your loved one has difficulty concentrating or is easily distracted from his daily responsibilities. Your loved one may be unable to perform his usual activities such as going to the store or cooking a meal due to decreased problem-solving skills. Impulsive decisions involving financial or sexual activities can also be a symptom of this condition and may have significant consequences to both the patient and his family members.
