Episode 4: Best Practice Strategies for Frontotemporal Dementia Management

Posted: July 10, 2023 , in ComForConnections Podcast

Frontotemporal Dementia: Best Therapeutic Strategies

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for individuals under 60, impacting roughly 50,000 people in the U.S. However, experts consider that number to be a vast undercount because of how challenging it can be to diagnose.

FTD is a progressive disease, and the progression length varies from 2 to over 20 years. In the early stages, people may have just one symptom. As the disease progresses, other symptoms appear as more parts of the brain are affected. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, which primarily targets cognitive symptoms, FTD often presents with significant behavioral symptoms that require different treatment approaches. Alzheimer's medications can be ineffective or even detrimental for FTD due to the distinct pathophysiological differences between the two conditions.

Recognizing and managing behavioral symptoms such as disinhibition, confusion, and agitation is crucial in FTD care.

There is no cure for FTD, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms. The behavioral variant of FTD (bvFTD) is characterized by social dysfunction and executive and behavioral changes. Blood tests are often used to diagnose and rule out other conditions, such as liver or kidney diseases. Clinical trials are essential for evaluating new treatments for FTD, and ongoing research may lead to breakthroughs.

Communication aids can be beneficial for individuals with FTD who struggle with language. Compulsive behaviors, including hyperorality, are also common symptoms. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) encompasses various FTD syndromes, each with diverse clinical presentations.

Other therapies, such as support groups and practical measures, can significantly aid individuals with FTD. Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and its subtypes, such as semantic variant PPA, are important to understand for treatment efficacy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to manage behavioral symptoms like irritability and disinhibition. Speech therapy can improve communication for those with language difficulties. Support groups provide vital resources and emotional guidance for individuals with FTD and their caregivers. Therapeutic strategies being researched for FTLD include tau aggregation inhibition and tau phosphorylation reduction.

For Aging Services Professionals, it is essential to learn about this form of dementia to implement best practice strategies when providing person-centered care.

Listen in to obtain insights and resources to help you better provide care to those living with FTD.

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About Heather McKay:

Dr. Heather McKay, Ph.D., OT/L, is an award-winning occupational therapist, dementia care specialist, consultant, and international trainer/speaker. Heather is passionate about helping healthcare providers and families provide the highest quality dementia care. Through her own experience as a healthcare provider, leader, and researcher, Heather has developed an engaging, evidence-based training approach. Heather’s training approach guides dementia caregivers through their toughest dementia care challenges. Her experience as a family caregiver has provided a foundation of understanding and relatability that engages diverse audiences in the evolving dementia conversation. In 2016, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America named Heather “Dementia Care Professional of the Year” for her dedication to serving individuals living with dementia, their families, professionals, and her community.

Show Notes:

The key differences between dementia and frontotemporal dementia of FTD
Hallmark signs of characteristics of FTD
Most common FTD subtypes
Best practice strategies when developing a plan of care for an individual living with FTD
Two top recommendations when speaking with family members whose loved one is living with FTD

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