Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia
When asked to name a kind of dementia, most people would likely respond with Alzheimer’s disease.
That’s because it is the most common and well-known form of dementia. However, there are other kinds of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia. It’s a kind of dementia that usually occurs at a younger age than does Alzheimer’s disease, generally striking between the ages of 40 and 45.
Home Care Services in Springfield VA: Frontotemporal Dementia
General Information
In truth, frontotemporal dementia isn’t a single kind of dementia. Instead, it is a term used to describe several conditions that impact the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These parts of the brain are responsible for functions like language, behavior, and personality.
Frontotemporal dementia causes the lobes of the brain to shrink, which has a profound impact on the way a person behaves, interacts with other people, and communicates. However, the way the disorder affects a person differs from one patient to the next, making it a somewhat unpredictable condition.
Because of its effect on the way a person behaves, frontotemporal dementia is often misdiagnosed. Those with the disease may be diagnosed as having a psychiatric order instead.
The cause of the disease is unknown. Scientists have identified some gene mutations that are associated with the disease. Yet, over half of the people who get the disease don’t have any other family members who have had it. However, having a family member with dementia is still considered a risk factor for the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, “there are no other known risk factors.”
Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia
The symptoms a person with frontotemporal dementia has first will depend on which part of the brain the disease starts in. Often, other people notice that the person is behaving oddly before they do. The disease is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse over time.
The symptoms of the disease can be divided into three kinds: behavioral, speech and language, and movement.
Behavioral changes may include:
- Acting inappropriately.
- Lack of attention to personal hygiene.
- Lack of empathy.
- Changes in interpersonal skills.
- Trying to eat inedible objects.
- Some speech and language symptoms are:
- Trouble understanding written and spoken words.
- Difficulty finding the right word to use.
- Forgetting what words mean.
- Movement symptoms include:
- Tremors.
- Muscle rigidity.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Weakness.
- Spasms.
If your family member has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, regardless of their age, elderly care can help them to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
Elderly care providers can keep the person safe, ensuring poor judgments don’t cause injuries. Elderly care providers can also assist with daily tasks, like dressing, eating, and bathing.
Are you or a loved-one considering hiring Home Care Services in Springfield, VA? Please call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. Contact: 703-273-8818
Sources
Mayoclinic.org
Alz.org
Webmd.com
Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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