Frontotemporal Dementia: A Neurologist Shares What You Need to Know

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare and progressive form of dementia that primarily affects people between the ages of 40 to 65 years old. With the recent diagnosis of Wendy Williams, BlackDoctor.org sat down with Donna Newsome, M.D., a neurologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano to discuss how FTD differs from other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and the early warning signs and diagnosis process. She also discusses the genetic factors associated with FTD and offers practical advice for caregivers. Could you explain what primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia are and how they differ from other forms of dementia? Primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia affect the brain’s functions, specifically memory and judgment. These conditions damage the nerves and connections in the brain, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes. Depending on the type of dementia, it can impact different areas of the brain. For example, primary progressive aphasia primarily affects language skills, while frontotemporal dementia affects behavior and personality. People with these conditions may experience difficulty communicating, changes in personality and behavior, and challenges with cognition and memory. You mentioned that people with these conditions don’t usually experience memory problems in the beginning. Are there...