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Frontotemporal Dementia
What is Frontotemporal Dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia is the name given to dementia when it is due to progressive damage to the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. There are three main types of FTD:
- The behavioural variant: Affects personality and behaviour
- Primary progressive aphasia: Initially affects speech, followed by behaviour
- Progressive non-fluent aphasia: Causes people to lose their ability to recall and speak words
The right and left frontal lobes at the front of the brain affect mood, social behaviour, attention, judgement, planning and self-control. The damage of these lobes is what can lead to reduced cognitive abilities and changes in personality, emotions and behaviour.
The right and left temporal lobes at the two sides of the brain process hearing and sight. Damage to these lobes may lead to difficulty recognising objects, understanding or expressing language.
For those with frontotemporal dementia, as the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to plan or organise activities, behave appropriately in social or work settings, interact with others and care for themselves. This usually results in increasing dependency on caregivers.
Hear From Our Happy Patients
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.N Mohamed
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.P Allen
Same Day Consultations
Same day consultations will be provided to patients whenever possible.
Quality Tests, Assessments & Scans
Diagnosis and treatments will sometimes involve tests and scans, which can usually be completed within 2 days.
Patient Advisor Consultations
Our Patient Advisors will provide bespoke treatment recommendations for all of our patients following a consultation.
Prices start from £465
Prices for an hour-long consultation start at £465. Each follow up appointment will cost £265. We always maintain full transparency about our costs.
Video Consultations Available
Video consultations Via Skype, Facetime or WhatsApp are available at Dementech.
What are The Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia?
The main symptoms of frontotemporal dementia are a progressive change in personality and behaviour or progressive deterioration in language abilities. With most cases of dementia, symptoms typically begin to present themselves and become noticeable in people over the age of 65, but 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.
Physical symptoms may also begin to present as the disease progresses. These could include any of the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- General movement difficulty and muscle weakness
How is Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosed?
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. Information gleaned from initial tests can help us determine the appropriate next steps and treatment plans for each individual patient.
One of the tests available at our London frontotemporal dementia clinic includes assessing in vivo Tau protein aggregates using a specific type of brain scan called Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
The PET scan 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 even before 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. Research is still being conducted around how mutations in progranulin and C9ORF72 cause the disease. We do know however, that the C9ORF72 gene can cause individuals to develop motor neurone disease, FTD or both conditions, and may affect members of the same family differently.
Choosing a Private Neurologist
It can be difficult to know what to expect with frontotemporal dementia, but one thing you can be sure of is that in seeing a neurologist privately, you will have access to shorter waiting times, better access to direct support and an outstanding quality of care. You can always contact our clinic directly if you have concerns about changes in your condition.
Choosing a private neurologist also typically means you will have expenses for consultations, and assessments such as blood tests and MRI scans. You can give us a call and speak to our friendly clinicians and ask about our fee structure.
The Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis Process at Dementech
Consultation
An Initial consultation with a specialist physician is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis. During this consultation, patients can describe their experiences with certain symptoms and deliver an accurate picture of their medical history to the specialist.
Assessment
Patients will then have an appointment with a neuropsychologist, which will result in a computerised, detailed assessment of cognitive deficits and other neuropsychiatric issues associated with your specific type of dementia.
Testing
You may be required to undergo blood tests and imaging scans in order to generate the most accurate picture of the severity of your frontotemporal dementia symptoms. These tests are outsourced to the highest quality centres in London.
Follow Up
A second consultation will then take place. This will be with a private dementia consultant. A follow-up strategy will be discussed and explained in addition to the diagnosis. We will answer any questions and do our best to ensure you feel well informed and reassured throughout the process.
What is The Treatment for Frontotemporal Dementia?
Dementia can affect people in multiple and extensive ways, and we understand that addressing all aspects of the disease is important. At Dementech Neurosciences’ frontotemporal dementia clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to treat the whole range of symptoms of FTD, in order to best look after the wellbeing of the individual affected, as well as their family and caregivers.
Our specialist dementia team includes an in-house speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, psychologist and psychiatrist, who all work to help our dementia patients manage their symptoms better.
At Dementech, our end goal is always to provide exceptional, personalised treatment plans for every patient. Whether you are concerned about your symptoms prior to diagnosis or want to discover more about the details of your treatment plan, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure everything is clear.
Clinical Trials & Caregiver Support
We 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 dementia and each subtype 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, as well as ongoing support.
Contact Dementech Today to Discuss Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment and Diagnosis
Meet Our Doctors
Our team of Frontotemporal Dementia experts in London provide expert care to diagnose, manage and treat Frontotemporal Dementia symptoms.
Dr Tahira Choudry – Neurologist
Neurologist
Dr. Giacomo Chiaro – Consultant Neurologist
Neurologist
Prof. K. Ray Chaudhuri – Parkinson’s Specialist in London
Medical & Scientific Advisory Board
Neurologist
Parkinson's Disease
FAQs About Frontotemporal Dementia
What does an initial Frontotemporal Dementia consultation entail?
The consultation will begin with an assessment, followed by a diagnosis. Once you have received your diagnosis, you will be given a management plan and will be prescribed medication. You will also receive a full consultation report.
Can you arrange tests?
All tests can be arranged prior to your consultation with us and ever after the consultation.
How quickly can I be seen?
We endeavour to see you on the same day, if possible.
Will I get a copy of my test results?
Yes, you will get a copy of your results as well as a CD of the MRI scan on request
Do you have MRI scan alternatives for those who are claustrophobic?
Yes we do. We offer an Upright MRI and an Open MRI.
How quickly can I get MRI scans, blood tests and other testing done?
You can get the tests within 2 days of requesting them, and test results will be received within 2 days.
Will I be taken off the NHS waiting list if I'm seen privately?
No. Seeing a doctor at Dementech will not affect your care through the NHS.
Do you offer video calls?
Dementech Neurosciences is now offering tele consultations to patients who are unable to physically attend our clinic on Wimpole street. We will be conducting these calls through Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp call/Video call.
Do you provide finance?
At this current time we do not offer finance. Payments will need to be made prior to tests and consultations.
Have a question we haven't covered?
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Our team is on hand to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Simply fill in the form below with your details, and we will get back to you very soon.
Have a Question?
Speak to Frontotemporal Dementia Specialists From Our Clinic in London
Our team is on hand to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Simply fill in the form below with your details, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Dementech Today to Discuss Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment and Diagnosis