What is disinhibition?

Disinhibition is losing the normal brakes on behavior: acting impulsively or saying and doing inappropriate things without considering how others see it. The National Institute on Aging explains that the frontal lobes help people avoid behavior such as shouting in a library or at a funeral. When dementia damages them, the person often does not know or care that their behavior is unusual.

Disinhibition is most closely linked to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, the most common form of FTD. The National Institute on Aging lists impulsive or inappropriate behavior among its symptoms, along with loss of empathy, compulsive eating or taking food from others' plates, and losing interest in family. People with this disorder may or may not have memory problems at first.

It can be an early one. The Alzheimer's Association says behavior changes are often the first noticeable symptoms of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, which most often appears in people's 50s and 60s. In Alzheimer's, behavior changes are also common but tend to come later. A sudden change in behavior or personality in midlife is worth raising with a doctor.

Accept rather than challenge. The National Institute on Aging says arguing or reasoning will not help, because the person cannot control the behavior or see that it upsets others. Instead, understand that the illness is talking, take a timeout when frustrated, keep a regular schedule, and reduce distractions. Rewarding appropriate behavior and ignoring inappropriate behavior, when safe, can also help.

There is no cure, but symptoms can be eased. The National Institute on Aging says antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed for social disinhibition and impulsive behavior in frontotemporal dementia, and a doctor may try another medicine if one does not work. Always consult a doctor before changing, adding or stopping any drug or supplement.