Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment London

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects behaviour, personality and communication, often developing earlier than other forms of dementia. Although less common, it can have a profound impact on individuals and their families.

 

At Dementech, our specialist clinicians provide expert assessment, diagnosis and personalised treatment plans to help manage FTD symptoms. With extensive experience across complex dementias, we support you at every stage,  from faster diagnosis to tailored care designed to improve daily life and long-term outcomes.

What is Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative conditions that primarily affect the parts of the brain responsible for behaviour, personality, decision-making and communication. Unlike many other dementias, FTD often develops earlier in life, commonly affecting adults in mid-life rather than older age.

 

Because the areas of the brain involved control how we interact with others and express ourselves, the early signs of FTD are often behavioural or language-related rather than memory-based. These changes can be subtle at first but tend to become more noticeable as the condition progresses.

Types of Frontotemporal Dementia

FTD presents in different ways depending on which brain networks are most affected:

 

  • Behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD)
    Characterised by changes in personality, social awareness and impulse control, often leading to behaviour that is out of character or socially inappropriate.

  • Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
    A form of FTD where communication difficulties are the earliest feature, including problems understanding language or finding the right words.

  • Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia (PNFA)
    A subtype of PPA that mainly affects speech production, making conversation increasingly effortful and fragmented over time.

Causes of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia develops as a result of ongoing damage to the frontal and/or temporal regions of the brain. These areas are essential for regulating behaviour, emotions, language and executive function.

 

  • Changes in the frontal regions can affect motivation, emotional control, social awareness and problem-solving abilities.
  • Damage within the temporal regions may disrupt language processing, speech, and the ability to recognise people or objects.

 

In some cases, FTD has a genetic component, meaning it may run in families. Specialist assessment can help determine whether inherited factors are likely to be involved.

 

The temporal lobes of the brain process hearing and sight. Damage to these lobes may lead to difficulty recognising objects, understanding or expressing language.

Frontotemporal Dementia Symptoms

With most cases of dementia, symptoms typically begin to present themselves and become noticeable in people over the age of 65. However, symptoms of frontotemporal dementia can begin at a much earlier age. This is because the abnormal proteins that build up inside the brain cells are not solely a factor of age.

The main symptoms of frontotemporal dementia are a progressive change in personality and behaviour or progressive deterioration in language abilities.

Behavioural Symptoms

Individuals with frontotemporal dementia might display changes to their behaviour and personality. Examples include:

 

  • Inappropriate social behaviour
  • Lack of empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Poor judgement
  • Loss of inhibitions and increased recklessness
  • Apathy
  • Compulsive behaviours
  • Changes to their eating habits, including eating inedible objects
  • A decrease in personal hygiene

Physical Symptoms

Frontotemporal dementia can cause issues with speech and language. These symptoms might include: 

 

  • Difficulty understanding language, both written and spoken
  • Struggling to name things
  • No longer understanding what some words mean
  • Communicating in short, simple sentences 
  • Having trouble correctly structuring sentences

Speech and Language Symptoms

Physical symptoms may also begin to present as the disease frontotemporal dementia progresses. These could include any of the following:

 

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • General movement difficulty and muscle weakness

Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis at Dementech

Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing frontotemporal dementia effectively. At Dementech, we use a structured, specialist-led diagnostic pathway to identify FTD and distinguish it from other neurological or psychiatric conditions.

 

Our approach combines clinical expertise with advanced testing to build a clear and reliable picture of brain function and disease progression.

 

Our Diagnostic Process

We follow a clear four-stage process designed to reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary delays:

 

  1. Initial Consultation: You will meet with a specialist physician to discuss symptoms, concerns and medical history in detail.
  2. Neuropsychological Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of cognitive and behavioural function is carried out by an experienced neuropsychologist.
  3. Targeted Testing: Where appropriate, blood tests and brain imaging are arranged through trusted centres across London to support diagnostic accuracy.
  4. Diagnosis & Follow-Up Planning: Once results are reviewed, your specialist will explain the diagnosis, answer questions and outline recommended treatment and support options.

 

Book A Consultation

    Patient Success Stories

    Dementech Neurosciences prides itself on delivering exceptional patient care. Here are just some of our patient testimonials.

    P Allen

    Group 180822

    “My family and I experienced one of the hardest times of our lives having to deal with my wife’s deteriorating condition. I would like to personally thank the lovely young lady Zobiaa from Dementech, for showering us with compassion, empathy and genuine care and concern. Her professionalism, high-level customer service and communication, eye for detail, and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs and make not only my wife, but our whole family, feel as comfortable and supported as possible, is something we will always be grateful for. Thank you so much for your friendly and polite presence Zobiaa and taking the time and effort to build a relationship with us. You really made our visits to the clinic a positive, 5 star experience.”

    Anonymous

    Group 180822

    “Dementech Neurosciences is a relatively new clinic specialising in the scientific assessment and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. It represents a significant development in the treatment of Parkinson’s and has done a great job of establishing itself and its reputation in a short period of time. The premises are extremely well situated in central London, the consultant neurologists are all at the top of their field in their specialisation of the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, and the clinical and administrative staff are of a similar standard. The atmosphere of the clinic is positive and the results, in the short period of time I have been able to assess, have been similarly positive.”

    N Mohammed

    Group 180822

    “Have had nothing but kindness and professionalism from Dementech and all their staff. From their initial guidance by Shakeela, through to staff conducting the MRI tests and Dr. Lucio D’Anna for his expertise clarity of explanation, compassion and consideration. Special mention to Zobia, who saved the day with her quick thinking that helped my mother-in-law to obtain extended care. Overall a perfect experience. Cannot recommend them enough.”

    Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment

    At Dementech, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating frontotemporal dementia (FTD), supporting both patients and their families. Our team of specialists include neurologists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and psychiatrists, who work together to manage symptoms and improve daily life.

    How we help

    Medications

    • Prescribed to manage behavioural and emotional symptoms.
    • Antidepressants can reduce compulsive behaviours and loss of inhibition.
    • Antipsychotics are only used in severe cases where safety is a concern. 

     

    Therapies

    • Occupational therapy for practical daily challenges.
    • Speech and language therapy to support communication and swallowing.
    • Physiotherapy to maintain mobility and physical function. 

     

    Lifestyle Support

    • Structured routines and simplified daily tasks.
    • Home safety adjustments to reduce risks.
    • Regular physical activity to support mood and cognition. 

     

    Innovation & Clinical Trials

    • Access to advanced interventions and ongoing clinical trials for novel therapies.
    • Tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. 

     

    Caregiver Support

    • Guidance, education, and ongoing support for families to navigate dementia care.
    • Strategies to maintain caregiver well-being alongside patient care.

    Clinical Trials

    Our dementia specialists actively participate in clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, giving patients access to emerging therapies and innovative treatments.

     

    These trials focus on testing novel interventions designed to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. By taking part, patients benefit from the latest advancements in dementia care under expert clinical supervision.

    Anonymous

    Group 1808
    It was very useful to be able to talk with the consultant and be understood. My problem has been lifelong and got far worse over recent years. It was vital for me to be able to get advice and guidance and find a new treatment plan.

    Speak to a Frontotemporal Dementia Specialist

    0203 848 4500

    Dementech Neurosciences are London's leading neurological clinic specialising in advanced neurological conditions such as frontotemporal dementia. Book a call with our clinic to speak to a specialist about your condition.

    Why Choose Dementech for Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment?

     At Dementech, we provide fast, expert care for frontotemporal dementia with personalised treatment plans and ongoing support.

     

    Benefits of choosing Dementech include:

     

    • An in-house team of dementia experts that provides a mixture of clinical and therapeutic care
    • No extended waiting times and same-week appointment availability
    • Industry-leading diagnostic technology
    • Test results within 48 hours
    • Consultations from just £515
    • A unique frontotemporal dementia treatment plan tailored to you, developed by our Patient Advisors
    • Ongoing support and guidance, from diagnosis to treatment

     

    You can always contact our clinic directly if you have concerns about changes in your condition.

    J Adams

    Group 1808

    A pleasure to have the expertise, vision & support of Dementech, most especially the care and trust of Dr. D’Anna, Anca and the team!

    Meet Our Frontotemporal Dementia Specialists

    Our team of frontotemporal dementia specialists in London combines extensive clinical experience with access to advanced medical facilities to provide personalised diagnosis and treatment.

     

    They are actively involved in research and clinical trials, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements in care. Each specialist is dedicated to improving quality of life and supporting patients through every stage of FTD.

    About Dementech

    At our core, we are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life and overall well-being by delivering the highest standard of care. Recognising the need for a private centre that offers a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, we’ve embarked on a mission to transform the lives of individuals facing neurological disorders like frontotemporal dementia.

     

    Our commitment to this mission is fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies and advanced diagnostic methods, some of which are considered the best in the world. Although many of the neurological disorders we specialise in remain incurable, our focus on medication and other therapeutic modalities can effectively slow down disease progression and bring about substantial improvements in the patient’s quality of life.

    Contact Dementech

    Take the first step towards a better quality of life – contact our clinic today.

    Call us on 0203 848 4500 or fill out the contact form below, and a member of our team will get back to you.

      Frontotemporal Dementia FAQs

      The rate at which frontotemporal dementia develops and gets worse varies from person to person, and can be difficult to predict. However, the average survival time once symptoms start is around 8 to 10 years.

      Frontotemporal dementia starts as a result of clumps of abnormal proteins forming in the brain. This can change or damage the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, causing frontotemporal dementia to develop.

      Frontotemporal dementia typically causes changes to an individual’s behaviour or language ability first. The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia usually start gradually and get worse as time goes on.

      The 7 stages of frontotemporal development are: 

       

      • Stage 1: Mild cognitive changes
      • Stage 2: Changes in behaviour and sharpness
      • Stage 3: Language difficulties
      • Stage 4: Implications on quality of life
      • Stage 5: Personality changes and mood swings
      • Stage 6: Memory deterioration
      • Stage 7: Severe cognitive impairment and decline of health

       

      Learn more about the different stages of frontotemporal dementia.

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