Frontotemporal Dementia

Dementia is a problem of the elderly, right? Generally that's true. But there is one form of the disease that can strike people when they are very young, in their 20's or even their teens. It's called Frontotemporal Dementia, or FTD. And while rare, it devastates lives by rapidly turning young, vital people into those who need constant care.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mayo
• Clinic
• Medical
• Edge
• Dementia
• Frontotemporal

[mayoclinic]

Unfortunately this cannot be diagnosed based on a single test and not by a simple blood test. You will need to see a neurologist and undergo several tests.

[maw0509maw0509]

My mother was formally diagnosed with this disease 3 years ago at the age of 59. However, she started exhibiting symptoms of the disease 10-15 years prior to diagnosis. I wish more people knew about this and I'm glad to see that someone is trying to raise awareness.

[ccperkins21]

My dad was diagnosed in 2005 and is currently in a nursing home at age 66. He was laid off of his job in 2004 because something just didn't seem "right" and he could no longer operate the required machinery. Since then, it's been a steady downward spiral in his cognitive skills. He barely communicates, is spoon fed at times, still walking but is showing signs of imbalance. It's been an emotional roller coaster but we have to eventually accept what is taking place. Love you dad.

[Di4545]

I believe my father has had Frontal Temporal Dementia for about 25 years. It started off subtle and now he exhibits aggressive/unpredictable behaviour. His obsession is money. He wants it all the time and just wants to spend it constantly. He also is sexually inappropriate with women and nurses although he does not attack me (his daughter), thank god. This has been the most stressful sneaky disease to deal with. Not enough is known about it and how to handle it.

[nm476]

It's a very sad and devastating disease. My father died from FTD on April 25, 2011. 

[LeahJoyLikes]

@atayraco

My father is 62. Thank you for sharing, I felt like I was the only one going through this on my own. My Mom died 16 years ago and don't have any siblings to help with his 24 hour care.

[hugh705]

there is no hope

[bunnyz324]

did his parents have dementia or did their son have dementia

[atayraco]

My dad's 63 and was diagnosed two years ago. But like with most of patients, he showed symptoms 10-15 years ago that we all thought were related to moving to a new country, losing his job and the death of his mom. Now that we know more about FTD we have started putting the puzzle pieces back together and it makes us sad knowing that we could've caught this much earlier on.

Awareness is KEY.

[mamaspazz]

I really just can't believe what I am seeing or what I have read below (maw0505) !!! My brother and I are facing the same thing with our very young Mom. Unfortunately she has had these symptoms for a while and has had every test you could imagine. We just had no knowledge of this disease and if we had it could have saved us from years of unanswered questions and maybe helped her sooner. It's so heartbreaking and sad. I wish strength for all that are going through it and their families.

[turpingreenlane]

Awareness is most important, excellent video