Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): How Does It Impact Life?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare disease affecting the younger population more than other forms of dementia. There are three sub-types, and each one affects individuals differently. Although the disease currently does not have a cure, there is hope to delay the process with new technological advancements.
Key takeaways:
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a disorder that affects the parts of the brain connected to personality, behavior, and language.
There are three sub-types of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) — behavioral variant, movement disorders, and primary progressive aphasia. All three types have different characteristics.
Frontotemporal dementia can severely impact a person’s life. It can lead to issues with behavior, difficulty communicating, and social isolation and emotionally impact the person with the disorder and those around them.
It can be hard to continue working after being diagnosed with FTD. However, many advancements in research have given scientists a better understanding of the disease process and how it could be prevented or delayed.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia that typically affects younger people, sometimes in their 50s and 60s, and even can occur in people as young as 20. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These lobes are responsible for personality, behavior, and language.
Bruce Willis, actor, writer, producer, and businessman, was reportedly diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. His family announced in February 2023 that Willis was diagnosed with this rare form of dementia last year after he announced his retirement from acting in spring 2022.
What causes frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive degeneration of the neurons in the brain. It causes the loss of neurons due to an abnormal increase in the amounts of proteins. These proteins occur naturally in the body and generally help cells function effectively. However, when the proteins are high, neurons in the brain tissue become damaged. This can lead to loss of brain function and a decline in abilities such as speech and memory.
There is currently no cure for FTD, and treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and helping people live the best life possible.
What are the different types of FTD?
Currently, there are three main types of FTD, each with different developmental symptoms.
Behavioral variant dementia (BvFTD). This type is known to affect behavior, personality, and social interactions. People with this type of FTD experience changes in their social interactions and a lack of empathy. Behavioral variant dementia can also lead to inappropriate or risky behavior.
Movement disorders. This type of FTD occurs when parts of the brain affect movement. This type may also affect thinking and language skills.
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This type of FTD affects speech and language. People with this type will have difficulty speaking, such as finding the right words, forming a sentence, or pronouncing words.
What are the symptoms of FTD?
The symptoms of FTD can vary depending on the subtype and the individual.
Changes in behavior and personality are common in people with FTD, and they can show signs of loss of inhibitions, social withdrawal, impulsiveness, and even aggressive behavior. Those with FTD can also experience memory loss and difficulty with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
For instance, Bruce Willis reportedly had symptoms of aphasia (speaking and understanding speech), a common symptom for those with FTD. This can affect the ability to find the right words when communicating, not comprehending what people are asking, and even having issues with written language.
Another symptom is issues with movement. In this case, those with FTD may experience tremors, joint and muscle stiffness, and a lack of coordination.
Symptoms of FTD can be very different for each individual, some may have more prominent symptoms than others.
How does FTP impact a person's life?
Frontotemporal dementia can significantly impact a person’s life and the lives of those around them. It is a progressive disorder that ultimately makes life more difficult.
Difficulty communicating. People with FTD have difficulty expressing their feelings which can be challenging for others to understand. This can cause tension or rifts between families.
Changing behavior. The disorder can cause uncharacteristic behavior changes. This can be hard on family and friends and frustrating for those with FTD.
Difficulty with daily activities. More upsetting for those with FTD, the inability to perform normal, daily activities can be very frustrating and cause anger or sadness.
Social isolation. Some people with FTD can become more socially isolated due to changes in their physical and mental health. This can make it difficult and lonely for the person with FTD and their family.
Emotional impact. The disorder can have a negative emotional impact on the person suffering due to frustrations with self and those around them and the knowledge of the disorder’s progression. All of this can take an emotional toll on those with FTD.
Can a person still work with FTP?
Unfortunately, it can become increasingly difficult for those with frontotemporal dementia to lead a normal life. Bruce Willis, for example, announced his retirement shortly after his diagnosis of aphasia early last year.
The disease process is very complex and can make it hard to use fine motor skills and cognitive functions throughout the day, which is needed for a typical job. This can make it very difficult to perform daily tasks, communicate with colleagues, and maintain appropriate social behaviors in the workplace.
The decision to continue working depends greatly on each individual, the sub-type of the disorder, and the symptoms they experience. Sometimes it may be possible to continue working with accommodations in the workplace until the symptoms progress.
Future advancements for those with FTP
There is promising, ongoing research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of FTD, and scientists are just starting to tap into developments in the disease process.
Researchers are exploring the genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of FTD. This could help develop more treatment options and help understand the disease’s origin.
New research will help provide invaluable resources for the development and testing of the diagnostics of FTD. This will help develop more reliable tools, such as biomarkers, imaging techniques, and neurological testing, that may help better understand the disease process.
One of the most immediate ways that have been helpful is improving care and support for those with FTD and their family members and caregivers. Providing appropriate care and support is key to understanding the disease process and how it affects caregivers. Education, support programs, and improving communication strategies are all part of the FTD advancement in understanding the disease.
Frontotemporal dementia is rare and generally affects younger people who may still be working and leading busy lives. Unfortunately, the rare disorder is not treatable at this time. However, there are advancements in gene therapy and technology that may bring scientists closer to disease prevention and a cure. Bruce Willis’ diagnosis of FTD has brought this rare disease to light, and this will hopefully provide more funding and better advancements in technology to help those with FTD.
Resources:
BRAIN – A Journal of Neurology. Sensitivity of revised diagnostic criteria for the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia.
National Institute on Aging. What Are Frontotemporal Disorders? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
Alzheimer's & Dementia®: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. New developments of biofluid-based biomarkers for routine diagnosis and disease trajectories in frontotemporal dementia.
NIH. What Are Frontotemporal Disorders? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
