Frontotemporal Dementia: Recognising and Managing Symptoms

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a lesser-known form of dementia that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These regions are crucial for managing behaviour, personality, and language. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, FTD accounts for about 10-20% of all dementia cases worldwide. Understanding the symptoms and effective management of this condition is essential for providing the best care possible, especially in a home care setting like that offered by iKare Home Care.

Frontotemporal Dementia: What is it?

Frontotemporal dementia is a type of dementia, and is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which typically presents with memory loss, FTD initially affects behaviour and language. The age of onset for FTD is also generally younger, with most cases occurring between the ages of 45 and 65.

In Singapore, dementia affects about one in ten people aged 60 and above, and of these cases, approximately 5% to 15% are attributed to FTD. Globally, FTD is estimated to affect around 50 to 60 individuals per 100,000 people, with slight variations depending on geographic regions.

Types of Frontotemporal Dementia

FTD is not a single disease but rather a group of disorders. The three main types include:

Behavioural Variant FTD (bvFTD):
- Symptoms: Changes in personality and behaviour, such as apathy, socially inappropriate behaviour, and loss of empathy. Patients might exhibit compulsive behaviours like repetitive hand movements or touching objects repeatedly. For example, a previously considerate and socially active individual might start neglecting personal hygiene, becoming increasingly irritable or indifferent to others’ feelings.
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA):
- Symptoms: Gradual decline in language abilities. There are two main types of PPA:
  - Semantic Variant: Difficulty understanding words or recalling names of objects.
  - Non-fluent Variant: Problems with producing speech, making it hard for the individual to construct sentence for example, a person might begin to struggle with word-finding or might use a simpler vocabulary, eventually becoming unable to communicate effectively.
FTD with Motor Neuron Disease (FTD-MND):
- Symptoms: This rare type involves both the symptoms of FTD and motor neuron disease, such as muscle weakness and coordination difficulties.

Recognising the symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia:

Frontotemporal dementia can be particularly challenging to diagnose due to the nature of its symptoms, which are often mistaken for psychiatric issues or personality changes. Early recognition is critical for ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care and support.

1. Behavioural Changes:

- Early Indicators: Loss of social inhibitions, inappropriate actions, or a lack of understanding of social norms. A person may become more impulsive or display reckless behaviour.
- Impact on Daily Life: These behavioural changes can strain relationships with family and friends, making caregiving more challenging.

2. Language Difficulties:

- Early Indicators: Struggling to find the right words, using vague or general terms instead of specific names, and difficulty following conversations.
- Impact on Daily Life: Communication becomes increasingly difficult, leading to frustration for both the individual and their caregivers.

3. Physical Symptoms:

- Early Indicators: Although primarily affecting behaviour and language, some types of FTD also involve physical symptoms, such as muscle stiffness, tremors, or difficulty walking.
- Impact on Daily Life: These physical challenges can limit the individual’s mobility, increasing the need for assistance with daily activities.

Managing Frontotemporal Dementia and how iKare can help

While there is currently no cure for FTD, various strategies can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Engaging a professional home care service like iKare Home Care can make a significant difference in providing tailored support that addresses the unique challenges of FTD.

Behavioural Management:
- Structured Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help reduce confusion and anxiety. iKare caregivers are trained to create and maintain consistent daily schedules, which provide a sense of stability and predictability for patients. This consistency is essential for minimising behavioural issues and helping patients feel secure in their environment.
- Environmental Modifications: Adjusting the home environment to minimise triggers for inappropriate behaviour can be beneficial. iKare caregivers are experienced in identifying and modifying potential environmental risks, ensuring that the living space is safe, comfortable, and conducive to the well-being of the patient. For example, they can help declutter spaces and remove hazards that might lead to accidents.
Physical Therapy:
- Mobility Support: For those with FTD-MND or other motor symptoms, physical therapy can help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls. iKare caregivers can assist with daily exercises prescribed by physical therapists, ensuring that patients remain as mobile and independent as possible.
Psychosocial Support:
- Counseling and Support Groups: Providing emotional support for both the patient and their family is crucial. iKare Home Care offers not only physical care but also emotional support, understanding the importance of holistic care. iKare caregivers are compassionate and trained to offer empathetic support, creating a reassuring presence for both patients and their families.
Medication:
- Symptom Management: While there are no medications specifically approved for FTD, certain drugs can help manage symptoms like depression, agitation, or obsessive-compulsive behaviours. iKare caregivers can assist in the administration of medications, ensuring that patients take their prescriptions on time and as directed. Their familiarity with the patient’s needs allows them to monitor for any adverse reactions and report these promptly to healthcare providers.

The iKare Difference in Dementia Care

iKare Home Care understands that managing frontotemporal dementia requires more than just medical attention; it demands a compassionate approach that addresses the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of both the patient and their family. By engaging iKare’s services, families can ensure that their loved ones receive personalised, expert care in the comfort of their own home, reducing the burden on family members while enhancing the patient’s quality of life.