Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of conditions caused by loss of cells mainly in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The main symptoms are a progressive change in personality and behaviour or progressive deterioration in language abilities.

Frontotemporal Dementia Symptoms

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

There are three forms of FTD: Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia which affects personality and behaviour, primary progressive aphasia which affects speech at first and then behaviour, and progressive non-fluent aphasia which causes people to lose their ability to recall and speak words.

As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for people to plan or organize activities, behave appropriately in social or work settings, interact with others, and care for themselves, resulting in increasing dependency on caregivers.

Initial Assessment & Diagnostic Testing

Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis

At Dementech Neurosciences’ frontotemporal dementia clinic, following an in-depth consultation with one of our dementia specialists, we can arrange for clinical tests and assessments in order to confirm a diagnosis and assess the extent to which the dementia has developed.

This information can help us determine the appropriate next steps and treatment plans too.

One of the tests available at our London frontotemporal dementia clinic includes assessing in vivo tau protein aggregates using a special type of brain scan called positron emission tomography (PET), which can be used to measure chemical changes within the brain and consequently study the functions of the brain.

This novel imaging tool will enable early diagnosis of FTD before extensive cell loss and symptoms become evident. Additionally, Tau PET can also serve as an indicator of treatment efficacy for interventions aimed at preventing tau aggregate formation.

We also provide genetic screening and counselling for the known genes associated to the familial forms of FTD. Some people with FTD have a family history of dementia and the condition may be inherited in some of these families.

Directly inherited forms of FTD are thought to account for around 10-20% of all cases of the condition. Genes that are known to cause FTD include MAPT gene (tau), progranulin (or GRN) gene or a gene called C9ORF72.

Mutations in the tau gene can cause the tau protein to behave abnormally, forming toxic clumps that can damage brain cells.

We still need to understand more about how mutations in progranulin and C9ORF72 cause the disease. The C9ORF72 gene can cause individuals to develop motor neurone disease or FTD or both conditions and may affect members of the same family differently.

Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment

Dementia can affect people in multiple and extensive ways, and we understand that addressing all aspects of the disease is important – in order to best look after the wellbeing of the individual affected, as well as their family and caregiver(s).

At Dementech Neurosciences’ frontotemporal dementia clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to treat the whole range of symptoms of FTD.

Our specialist dementia team includes an in-house speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, psychologist and psychiatrist to manage effectively cognitive symptoms.

Personalised treatment plans are always our goal, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure everything is clear.

Clinical Trials

We also offer the opportunity to participate in clinical trials testing novel pharmacological intervention, before they become available to the public, aiming to delay the progression of the disease.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can also be very stressful and challenging, and it’s very important that support and self-care extends to the caregiver as well.

Our frontotemporal dementia clinic team is always happy to offer guidance and advice to carers, and we are pleased to also offer caregiver support.