What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Written By Christina Catanzaro, Psy.D.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term used to describe frontal temporal lobar degeneration syndromes.  The three subtypes are called the motor, behavioral and language variants.  The language variant is also called primary progressive aphasia.

FTD behavioral variant often presents with personality and behavior changes first. This can look like apathy, social withdrawal, decreased hygiene, repetitive behaviors, lack of empathy, loss of social awareness, inappropriate social behavior, or flat affect.  It can also cause dietary changes.

The language variant, or primary progressive aphasia, has several subtypes, but all present with prominent problems in speech and language, including effortful speech, stuttering, difficulties with reading/writing, and understanding language.

The motor variant also has several subtypes, including motor neuron disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration.  Examples of abnormal motor movements include tremors, other involuntary movements, increased falls, trouble carrying out complex motor movements, and limb rigidity to name a few.

As you can see, there are many different types of frontotemporal dementia, which is why it is considered an umbrella term.  While there are various neuropathological causes that lead to FTD, they are all characterized by progressive degeneration of the brain.

Some additional facts about FTD:

  • Prevalence: FTD accounts for 5-9% of dementia case

  • Risk factors: Family history (20-30% of cases hereditary)

  • Onset: Earlier than most dementias, develops between ages 45-65 (mean age is 59) and diagnosis older than 75 is rare

  • Progression: Course is typically more rapid (5-7 years) than other types of dementias (although this also  depends on the subtype and whether the individual has comorbid conditions)

Neuropsychological testing can help determine if someone is suffering from FTD. The evaluation can also identify the subtype and status of the disease (early, moderate, severe stage). Medical and therapy interventions, such as cognitive rehabilitation therapy, can be useful in helping increase a patient’s and their loved ones’ quality of life.  As with many conditions, early diagnosis is key to identifying treatment interventions and life plans.

Christina Catanzaro, Psy.D.

Dr. Catanzaro is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in the assessment of neurological disorders. She has received extensive clinical training in neuropsychological assessment, which included a neuropsychology-focused internship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Catanzaro subsequently completed a two year fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Bancroft NeuroRehab where she conducted outpatient neuropsychological evaluations with adults with concussion and traumatic brain injuries, stroke, movement disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Catanzaro’s clinical interests include traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders, and she has published research on neurologic development as well as mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions. She has served as an adjunct professor in both undergraduate and graduate psychology departments at Kean University and Rutgers University. She maintains research interests in mindfulness-based interventions. Dr. Catanzaro received her doctorate and master’s degree from Kean University, and her bachelor’s degree from Loyola College in Maryland.

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