10. Personality Changes: The Shifting Self
Perhaps one of the most distressing symptoms of FTLD is the change in personality that many individuals experience. As the disease affects the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain associated with personality, individuals may start to behave in ways that are significantly different from their usual self.
Personality changes in FTLD can take various forms. Some individuals might become apathetic or withdrawn, showing little interest in socializing or engaging in activities they once enjoyed. Others may become disinhibited, acting out of character or exhibiting socially inappropriate behavior. Some people might exhibit rigid thinking or become fixated on certain ideas or routines.
These personality changes can be deeply troubling for family members and friends, who might feel as though they are losing the person they know and love. Providing support in these situations can be challenging, and professional help may be needed. Mental health professionals can provide strategies to manage behavioral changes and offer counseling to help families cope with the emotional impact of these changes.(10)
