It is a degenerative disease where there is accelerated aging of brain neurons, mainly in the frontal lobe (social skills, movement, and verbal expression) and the temporal lobe (short, medium, and long-term memory, olfaction, hearing, and speech and the area of language comprehension). Generally, its onset is early and accelerated, since a progressive process of deterioration occurs in people over 60 years of age. On this occasion, Dr. Manuel Moquillaza Valle, endovascular neurologist and coordinator of the neurology service at the Clinica Ricardo Palma, gives us more information on the subject.

Causes

The causes are not determined because as it is a degenerative disease there is a genetic predisposition.

Risk factors

The risk factors are:

• Little mental activity
• Alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Lack of some vitamins

Types of Frontotemporal Dementia

There are two large groups:

• The behavioral variant, in which behavioral disturbances predominate.
• Primary progressive aphasia, characterized by language disorders, that is, the patient has problems expressing himself, reading, or writing.

Signs and symptoms

The most common are:

• Speech and language problems
• Behavior changes, such as disinhibition, as the patient presents inappropriate behaviors in public
• Apathy
• Hyperorality
• Repetitive and compulsive behaviors

On the other hand, there is the possibility that 15% to 20% of patients with behavioral variant develop a motor neuron disease, specifically, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Stages

Frontotemporal dementia presents changes in behavior in the first stage and later in memory. However, it should be noted that there are stages according to the degree:

• Mild: Symptoms are almost imperceptible
• Moderate: 70% of cases are usually diagnosed
• Severe: The disease is presented in its maximum expression

Diagnosis

In short, the diagnosis is complex, since not only a neurological evaluation and some laboratory tests must be carried out, but also brain imaging tests, such as spectroscopy, as well as hippocampal volumetry.

Treatment

Frontotemporal dementia is a disease that still has no cure, although it is addressed with a pharmacological treatment based on brain stimulants that have shown a certain degree of efficacy. Additionally, psychological treatment is provided, since a person with dementia requires emotional support, as well as psychiatric support; especially if there are behavioral changes. On the other hand, it is essential to provide them with assistance, since this group of patients requires care to maintain their safety, hygiene, and nutrition, in other words, quality of life.

Dr. Manuel Moquillaza Valle
Endovascular neurologist and coordinator of the neurology service at the Clinica Ricardo Palma