Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia that affects the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain, leading to progressive changes in behavior, personality, language, and movement. It is more commonly diagnosed in people under 65, and memory is often unaffected in the early stages. There are several types of FTD, including behavioural-variant FTD, primary progressive aphasia, semantic dementia, and progressive non-fluent aphasia, each with distinct symptoms. Behavioural-variant FTD involves changes in personality and behavior, such as apathy, disinhibition, and loss of empathy. Primary progressive aphasia involves language loss, while semantic dementia affects word meaning and naming. Progressive non-fluent aphasia involves speech difficulties. Some individuals may also develop motor disorders like motor neurone disease. The exact cause is unknown, except in familial cases caused by gene mutations. FTD can affect anyone, with symptoms typically occurring between 40 and 65 years of age. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and brain imaging. There is no cure, but treatments like counseling, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help manage symptoms. Medications may assist with secondary issues like depression. FTD is a progressive, terminal illness that leads to irreversible decline. Support resources include Dementia Australia and the Frontotemporal Dementia Research Group. Family and carers play a crucial role in supporting those affected.Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia that affects the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain, leading to progressive changes in behavior, personality, language, and movement. It is more commonly diagnosed in people under 65, and memory is often unaffected in the early stages. There are several types of FTD, including behavioural-variant FTD, primary progressive aphasia, semantic dementia, and progressive non-fluent aphasia, each with distinct symptoms. Behavioural-variant FTD involves changes in personality and behavior, such as apathy, disinhibition, and loss of empathy. Primary progressive aphasia involves language loss, while semantic dementia affects word meaning and naming. Progressive non-fluent aphasia involves speech difficulties. Some individuals may also develop motor disorders like motor neurone disease. The exact cause is unknown, except in familial cases caused by gene mutations. FTD can affect anyone, with symptoms typically occurring between 40 and 65 years of age. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and brain imaging. There is no cure, but treatments like counseling, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help manage symptoms. Medications may assist with secondary issues like depression. FTD is a progressive, terminal illness that leads to irreversible decline. Support resources include Dementia Australia and the Frontotemporal Dementia Research Group. Family and carers play a crucial role in supporting those affected.