Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal dementia damages the front and side parts of the brain that handle personality, behaviour and language. It usually starts between 45 and 65, and it’s the second most common dementia under 65. Memory is often fine at first, which is why it’s often missed.
Early signs
- Personality changes: less caring or tactful, socially inappropriate, impulsive
- Losing interest in people, hobbies or self-care
- New eating habits, especially craving sweet foods or overeating
- Trouble planning, judging or adapting to change
- Language: struggling to find words, losing the meaning of words, or slow, effortful speech
- Families often notice before the person does. Changes can be mistaken for depression, a midlife crisis or stress
The main types
- Behavioural variant: changes in behaviour, personality and judgement.
- Primary progressive aphasia: language goes first. It includes semantic dementia (losing word meanings) and non-fluent aphasia (slow, broken speech).
- Movement types: some people develop motor neurone disease, progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal syndrome.
Causes and genetics
- Usually the cause is unknown.
- About 1 in 3 cases run in families, linked to inherited gene changes.
- If several relatives have had dementia or motor neurone disease, ask about genetic counselling before any testing.
Diagnosis
- Your GP will take a history (from you and someone who knows you well), examine you and run blood tests to check for other causes.
- Brain scans (MRI, sometimes PET) and assessment by a neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist confirm it.
Treatment and support
- There’s no cure yet, and the usual Alzheimer’s medicines don’t help FTD.
- Speech therapy, occupational therapy and support for carers make a real difference to daily life.
- Some antidepressants can help with behaviour symptoms.
- Plan early: driving, work, finances, legal documents and advance care plans.
- Carers need support too. Respite care is available through My Aged Care.
See your GP if
- Someone in midlife has a lasting change in personality, behaviour or language
- You’re worried about a family history of early dementia or motor neurone disease
Common questions
What are the first signs of frontotemporal dementia?
Usually changes in personality and behaviour (impulsiveness, loss of empathy, apathy, sweet cravings) or in language (word-finding or understanding words). Memory is often fine early on.
How is FTD different from Alzheimer’s disease?
FTD usually starts younger, between 45 and 65, and affects behaviour or language before memory. Alzheimer’s usually starts with memory loss.
Is frontotemporal dementia inherited?
About 1 in 3 cases run in families. Genetic counselling can help families decide whether testing is right for them.
Is there a treatment for FTD?
There’s no cure yet. Therapy, carer support and some medicines for behaviour symptoms help with daily life.
Helpful resources
- Dementia AustraliaNational Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500. Free, Australia.
- Dementia Support AustraliaCarer support, including the FTD Carer Conversations program. Free, Australia.
- My Aged CareRespite and in-home support. Australian Government.
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/frontotemporal-dementia/