Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia
Written by Hilary Cragg | CHC Funding | Care Support | 8th December 2021
Frontal temporal lobe dementia is a relatively rare form of dementia, it can also be known as Frontotemporal Dementia. It is only approximately 5% of all dementia cases. Some dementias may show damage to the frontal temporal lobe. Therefore, demonstrating some of the attributes of frontal temporal lobe dementia, but not necessarily all of them.
The frontal temporal lobe of the brain is the one underneath the forehead. People who have had damage to their forehead can end up with damage to this part of the brain from which this dementia ensues. This could be from:
a road traffic accident
too many headers in football / other head on sports collision
falls
The symptoms of frontal temporal lobe dementia include:
behavioural changes
language difficulties
issues with mental abilities
issues with physical abilities
Behavioural Changes
One of the most challenging issues to deal with can be disinhibition and change of behaviour. They can become far lewder or swear where they would not have done anything like that before.
This disinhibition can present as aggressive behaviour or as uncooperative, which can be very challenging to support the person. They might also become disinterested in things or the people around them. Their decision-making could become rash and abrupt towards others. They can at times also present as apathetic and disinterested in everything, seeking a low stimulus environment. If a carer is looking after someone with frontal temporal lobe dementia, the inhibited behaviour of aggression, hypersexuality or swearing cause the biggest issues.
Language Difficulties
People with frontal lobe dementia can have some language difficulties, confusing words or forgetting simple words. They can also have a set few phrases which they use again and again for all circumstances. They might also repeat what is said to them rather than respond to it.
Mental and Physical Abilities
Some of the issues around both mental and physical abilities are consistent with all dementias, such as:
people will become incontinent
may develop swallowing issues in the latter parts of the progression of dementia
display confusion
However, with frontal temporal lobe dementia, people can display a physical stiffness that is like Parkinson’s, in that their limbs are jerky and rigid in their movements.
In addition, the confusions that are displayed with frontal temporal lobe dementia can be specifically around understanding. Sometimes people have the language for some things, but no understanding of them. Frontal temporal lobe impacts “the executive function”, which is the ability to plan a sequence of things. Even simple tasks, such as getting washed and dressed require clothes to be taken off, then to have a wash, and clothes to be put on in the right order. If things are not done in the correct order, then the person can wash wearing their clothes or put dirty clothes back on again or forget to wash it all. Abstract concepts, such as the value of money can be very difficult, in that they might understand a collection of coins is money but not understand how much they’re worth and therefore what they can buy with the coins.
If you know someone with this kind of dementia and want some advice on how to prepare for the future, please contact Hilary Cragg at Nash & Co.
Speak to a friendly Dementia Care Solicitor
If you would like to learn more about dementia, speak to Hilary Cragg on 01752 827047, or you can email her hcragg@nash.co.uk
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