Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia
The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia depend on which areas of the brain are most affected. Frontotemporal dementia usually causes noticeable changes in personality, behaviour, or language before memory problems appear. These symptoms can be distressing and confusing, both for the person with the condition and for those around them.
Behavioural Variant FTD (bvFTD)
This is the most common form of FTD. Symptoms include:
Apathy or lack of motivation
Socially inappropriate behaviour, such as rudeness or impulsiveness
Loss of empathy or emotional warmth
Compulsive or repetitive actions
Poor judgement and risk-taking
Changes in eating habits, such as overeating or craving sweet foods
These symptoms may be mistaken for depression, bipolar disorder, or midlife crisis in the early stages.
Language Variants (Primary Progressive Aphasia)
There are two main types:
Semantic variant – difficulty understanding words or recognising familiar people/objects
Non-fluent variant – slow, effortful speech with poor grammar
People with language-based FTD may struggle to:
Name everyday objects
Follow conversations
Express themselves clearly
Read or write fluently
Despite language problems, memory and thinking skills may remain relatively intact in the early stages.
Motor Symptoms
Some types of FTD overlap with motor neurone disease (ALS) or conditions like progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). These can cause:
Muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Problems with balance or coordination
Muscle stiffness or tremors
Emotional and Social Changes
Lack of emotional response to major events
Flat facial expression or limited body language
Difficulty recognising other people’s emotions (loss of emotional insight)
Later Stages
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more widespread and may include:
Memory problems
Incontinence
Immobility
Increased dependence on carers
Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia
Identifying the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia early allows families to plan for the future, access support, and explore treatment options that may help manage the condition.
