12. Variability in FTD Symptoms
One of the hallmarks of FTD is the wide variability in symptoms. This variability is due to the different areas of the frontal and temporal lobes affected and the unique way the disease progresses in each individual.
Some people with FTD primarily exhibit changes in behavior and personality, known as behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). These individuals may become socially withdrawn, exhibit inappropriate behavior, or show a lack of empathy or interest in others.
In contrast, some people with FTD primarily exhibit language difficulties, referred to as Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). PPA itself can be split into two main types: Semantic variant PPA, where individuals have trouble understanding or finding words, and Nonfluent/Agrammatic variant PPA, where individuals struggle with producing speech.
Additionally, some people with FTD develop motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease or ALS, further adding to the symptom variability.(12)
