4. Types of Frontotemporal Dementia
FTD is not a single disorder but rather a spectrum of related conditions. The categorization is primarily based on the most prominent symptoms when a patient first seeks medical help.
The most common type is behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), characterized by notable changes in personality and behavior. A person with bvFTD may exhibit inappropriate actions, become neglectful of personal hygiene, overeat, or show a lack of empathy.
Two other types of FTD, semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) and nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA), primarily affect language skills. Individuals with svPPA have trouble recalling words or recognizing the meanings of words, while those with nfvPPA struggle with producing speech, despite knowing what they want to say.
Identifying the type of FTD is crucial in shaping a management plan and setting expectations for disease progression. While all types of FTD involve progressive deterioration, the primary symptoms and the progression rate can differ significantly. (4)
