Cause 2: The Age Factor: FTD in the Prime of Life
Though we often associate dementia with the golden years of life, FTD defies this notion. Striking between 40 and 65 years, it brings the harsh reality of cognitive decline to those in their prime. Age, it seems, is more than just a number in the world of FTD.
To understand why age holds sway, we need to look into the biology of aging. As we age, microscopic changes accumulate within our cells. These include DNA damage, protein dysfunction, and inflammatory changes, all of which could make neurons more susceptible to degeneration.
This link between age and FTD may also be intertwined with the nature of the disease. Unlike other dementias that primarily affect memory, FTD targets personality, behavior, and language. These are cognitive domains controlled by the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain that may be particularly vulnerable to the ravages of aging.
Moreover, the early onset of FTD can have far-reaching consequences. It affects individuals when they’re deeply engaged in careers, raising families, and living an active life. The disease’s onset at such a critical time amplifies the emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families.(2)
