Glossary

What is Frontotemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia is a group of dementias affecting the front and sides of the brain, showing first as changes in personality, behaviour or language rather than memory.

It tends to start younger, often in the fifties or sixties. A person may become socially inappropriate, apathetic or compulsive, or lose the ability to find words, while memory stays largely intact for a time.

Because it does not look like the dementia people expect, diagnosis is often delayed.

Why it matters

The behaviour changes are the disease, not the person, and families often need to hear that from a clinician.

Further reading: Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

Frontotemporal dementia where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

All terms