Understanding Frontotemporal Disorders
When most people think of dementia, they imagine the forgetful aging adult with Alzheimer's. Most people don't know that Alzheimer's is only one of more than 400 different types of dementia. Another subsection of dementia seen in older adults is frontotemporal disorders.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, roughly 60,000 people suffer from a frontotemporal disorder. While less common than Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, it's still vital for older adults to understand the basics of frontotemporal disorders and potential risk factors if they're experiencing any signs or symptoms of the disease.
What Are Frontotemporal Disorders?
Frontotemporal disorders are brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes. This group of conditions is also commonly called frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal disorders cause about 10 to 20 percent of dementia cases and develop in individuals between 40 and 65. Medical professionals are still uncertain of the exact cause of frontotemporal disorders, but those with a family history of dementia have a greater risk of developing the condition.
The signs and symptoms of frontotemporal disorders vary among people and tend to worsen with time. There are three main types of frontotemporal disorder.
- Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD)- One of the most common changes in an individual is behavioral and personality changes, called bvFTD. Those with bvFTD tend to have difficulty planning and prioritizing. They may also start to act impulsively, often engaging in inappropriate behavior without understanding how their actions affect others.
- Primary Progressive Aphasias (PPA)- Sometimes, frontotemporal disorders affect a person's communication ability. These frontotemporal disorders may make it difficult for a person to use or understand language, trouble naming ordinary objects, and challenge constructing sentences. People with these symptoms have PPA or semantic dementia.
- Motor Disorders- In rare cases, a person may develop a frontotemporal disorder that affects their motor skills or movement. Someone with a motor or movement disorder may experience tremors, muscle spasms, poor coordination, muscle weakness, or difficulty walking.
Diagnosing and Treating Frontotemporal Disorders
It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose frontotemporal disorders, especially in the early stages, as many signs and symptoms may signify a more common condition. In most cases, doctors will try to rule out other disorders through blood tests, brain scans, and neuropsychological testing.
Unfortunately, there are currently no cures for frontotemporal disorders and other dementias. However, there are treatments available to manage symptoms. Some doctors prescribe antidepressants to reduce behavioral challenges, while others suggest antipsychotics. Those who have trouble talking may benefit from speech therapy to learn alternative communication methods.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or a loved one is living with a frontotemporal disorder and needs assistance caring for themselves, Visiting Angels can help. We offer full-time, part-time, and temporary care services to help seniors age safely and comfortably in the home. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with transportation needs, mobility assistance, personal grooming, medication reminders, meal preparations, light housekeeping, and more.
Our Jasper office serves those in Jasper and the communities of Walker County. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this form online or call us at 205.388.9353.