Frontotemporal lobar degeneration

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Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (pronounced: fron-toh-tem-puh-rul low-bar de-gen-er-ay-shun), often abbreviated as FTLD, is a type of neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Etymology

The term "frontotemporal" refers to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are the areas primarily affected by this condition. "Lobar" refers to a lobe of the brain, and "degeneration" refers to the progressive damage or deterioration of cells and tissues.

Overview

FTLD is characterized by progressive damage to the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. This damage can lead to a range of symptoms, including changes in personality and behavior, difficulties with language, and problems with movement. There are several different types of FTLD, each with its own specific symptoms and progression. These include behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic dementia (SD), and progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA).

Symptoms

The symptoms of FTLD can vary widely depending on the specific type of the disease and the areas of the brain that are affected. Common symptoms can include:

  • Changes in personality and behavior
  • Difficulties with language
  • Problems with movement
  • Memory problems
  • Problems with executive functions, such as planning and organizing

Causes

The exact cause of FTLD is not known, but it is thought to be related to abnormal protein accumulation in the brain. Some cases of FTLD are associated with genetic mutations, but the majority of cases are sporadic, meaning they occur in people with no known family history of the disease.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for FTLD, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms. These can include medication, physical therapy, and speech therapy. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to help manage certain symptoms.

See also

External links

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