Semantic Dementia
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What is Frontotemporal Dementia ?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?Organizations
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What is Frontotemporal Dementia ?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a clinical syndrome associated with shrinking of the frontal and temporal anterior
lobes of the brain. Originally known as Pick’s disease, the name and classification of FTD has been a topic of discussion
for over a century. The current designation of the syndrome groups together Pick’s disease, primary progressive aphasia,
and semantic dementia as FTD. Some doctors propose adding corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy to
FTD and calling the group Pick Complex. These designations will continue to be debated. As it is defined today, the symptoms
of FTD fall into two clinical patterns that involve either (1) changes in behavior, or (2) problems with language. The first
type features behavior that can be either impulsive (disinhibited) or bored and listless (apathetic) and includes inappropriate
social behavior; lack of social tact; lack of empathy; distractability; loss of insight into the behaviors of oneself and
others; an increased interest in sex; changes in food preferences; agitation or, conversely, blunted emotions; neglect of
personal hygiene; repetitive or compulsive behavior, and decreased energy and motivation. The second type primarily features
symptoms of language disturbance, including difficulty making or understanding speech, often in conjunction with the behavioral
type’s symptoms. Spatial skills and memory remain intact. There is a strong genetic component to the disease; FTD often
runs in families.
Is there any treatment?
No treatment has been shown to slow the progression of FTD. Behavior modification may help control unacceptable or dangerous
behaviors. Aggressive, agitated, or dangerous behaviors could require medication. Anti-depressants have been shown to improve
some symptoms.
What is the prognosis?
The outcome for people with FTD is poor. The disease progresses steadily and often rapidly, ranging from less than 2 years
in some individuals to more than 10 years in others. Eventually some individuals with FTD will need 24-hour care and monitoring
at home or in an institutionalized care setting.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), conduct research related to FTD in laboratories at the NIH, and also support additional research through grants to
major medical institutions across the country.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
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Last updated August 03, 2007
