Frontotemporal dementia

Diagnosis

Diagnosing frontotemporal dementia (FTD) does not rely on a single test. Instead, doctors rely on a combination of signs, symptoms, and the exclusion of other potential causes. Early detection of FTD can be particularly difficult since its symptoms often resemble those of other disorders, leading to overlapping clinical presentations.

• Blood tests: Your doctor could prescribe blood tests to help rule out other illnesses including liver or kidney problems.
• Sleep study: Memory and thinking issues, as well as behavioral abnormalities, are some of the signs of obstructive sleep apnea that can resemble frontotemporal dementia. If you also snore loudly and experience breathing pauses while you sleep, your doctor may order a sleep study to rule out obstructive sleep apnea as the source of your symptoms.
• Neuropsychological testing: Extensive testing of reasoning and memory skills by doctors can be highly beneficial in identifying the type of dementia at an early stage. This form of testing plays a crucial role in distinguishing frontotemporal dementia from other causes of dementia, as the observed patterns of abnormality can provide valuable insights.
• Brain scans: Doctors may be able to identify any apparent disorders, including clots, bleeding, or tumors, that may be producing signs and symptoms by viewing at images of the brain.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). An MRI equipment creates precise images of the brain using radio waves and a strong magnetic field.
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tracer (FDG-PET) scan. This diagnostic procedure involves the utilization of a mildly radioactive substance that is introduced into the bloodstream. This substance, known as a tracer, aids in identifying regions of the brain that exhibit inadequate metabolism of nutrients. Such areas of reduced metabolism can indicate instances of brain degeneration, enabling medical professionals to determine the specific type of dementia affecting the patient.

Treatment

Frontotemporal dementia currently lacks a cure or targeted treatment. Medications commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease, which can help slow its progression, have proven ineffective and even detrimental for individuals with frontotemporal dementia. Nevertheless, there are certain medications and speech therapy techniques that can assist in managing the symptoms associated with frontotemporal dementia.

Medications

• Antidepressants. Certain antidepressants, like trazodone, have shown potential in alleviating the behavioral challenges linked to frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft) have demonstrated efficacy in managing symptoms in certain individuals.
• Antipsychotics. Frontotemporal dementia can sometimes be treated using antipsychotic medications like olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel) to address associated behavioral problems. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when administering these drugs to individuals with dementia due to the potential for severe side effects, including an elevated risk of mortality.

Therapy

Speech therapy can be beneficial for individuals facing challenges with language, as it enables them to acquire alternative communication strategies.