When someone starts acting strangely—losing inhibitions, becoming emotionally flat, or struggling to speak even simple words—it’s not just aging. It could be frontotemporal dementia, a group of brain disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal lobes. Also known as FTD, it’s the most common form of dementia in people under 60, yet it’s often mistaken for depression, Alzheimer’s, or even a midlife crisis. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which starts with memory loss, frontotemporal dementia hits behavior and language first. One person might become impulsive, lie compulsively, or eat non-food items. Another might lose the ability to name objects or form full sentences, even though they still remember their own name.
This condition isn’t one disease—it’s a cluster of related disorders. The behavioral variant, the most common type, changes personality and social behavior. Then there’s primary progressive aphasia, which slowly steals language skills. Some people develop movement problems too, like muscle stiffness or difficulty swallowing. These aren’t random symptoms. They map directly to which part of the brain is degenerating. The frontal lobe controls judgment and impulse control. The temporal lobe holds language and emotional processing. When those areas shrink, so does the person’s ability to function normally. There’s no cure. But understanding the type helps guide treatment. Antidepressants like SSRIs can help with compulsive behaviors. Antipsychotics are sometimes used for aggression, though they carry risks. Drugs that work for Alzheimer’s, like donepezil, usually don’t help FTD. That’s why getting the right diagnosis matters—it keeps people from taking meds that won’t work and avoids dangerous side effects.
Family members often notice changes before doctors do. A husband might stop paying bills. A mother might start yelling at strangers. A father forgets how to use a fork. These aren’t choices—they’re signs of brain damage. And because FTD shows up young, it hits families at their most vulnerable: while raising kids, paying mortgages, or caring for aging parents. The emotional toll is heavy, and the medical system isn’t always ready. That’s why knowing what to look for, what treatments exist, and how to manage daily life can make all the difference. Below, you’ll find real-world insights on medications that may help, how to spot early signs, and what to ask your doctor when standard dementia tests come back normal.
Vascular, frontotemporal, and Lewy body dementia are three distinct brain disorders with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Learn how they differ and why correct diagnosis matters for safety and care.