Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are associated with executive functions (e.g. decision-making, problem solving, and judgement) and language. As a result, FTD leads to a range of significant symptoms, such as difficulty in performing activities of daily living, changes in behavior and personality, and difficulties in speaking, understanding and conveying language. FTD is estimated to affect approximately 60,000 people in the United States. As a result, it has been the focus of significant research to better understand its etiology, symptoms, and treatments. There are currently no treatments available that specifically target FTD, and the disease is therefore managed primarily through interventions that focus on managing and alleviating the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential that more research is conducted to determine new and effective treatments for this debilitating neurological condition.