frontotemporal dementia
A group of neurodegenerative disorders primarily affecting the frontal and temporal lobes, causing changes in behavior, personality, and language.
Full Definition
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases that predominantly affect the frontal and temporal brain regions. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, FTD typically presents with prominent behavioral and personality changes, language difficulties, or movement disorders rather than memory loss. The three main variants are behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, and nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia. FTD often has a genetic component and tends to affect younger individuals than Alzheimer's disease, with onset typically between ages 45-65.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as 'frontotemporal dementia'; avoid 'fronto-temporal' with hyphen between fronto and temporal.
In Context
- "The patient's disinhibited behavior and lack of empathy raised suspicion for behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia." — Clinical assessment
- "Genetic counseling was recommended given the strong family history of frontotemporal dementia." — Treatment recommendations