frontotemporal dementia
Also written as: FTD
Group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive deterioration of the frontal and temporal lobes.
Full Definition
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, FTD typically presents with changes in personality, behavior, and language rather than memory loss as the initial symptoms. The condition includes several variants including behavioral variant FTD, primary progressive aphasia, and semantic dementia. FTD often occurs at a younger age than Alzheimer's disease, typically between ages 45-65, and has a strong genetic component in many cases.
Usage
Usage note: Pick's disease is a historical term now considered part of the FTD spectrum.
In Context
- "The patient's early behavioral changes and preserved memory suggested frontotemporal dementia rather than Alzheimer's disease." — diagnostic evaluation
- "Frontotemporal dementia often presents with disinhibition and language difficulties in younger patients." — case presentation