Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common form of brain disorders for people under 60. FTD represents a group of brain diseases caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. It is also frequently referred to as frontotemporal dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or Pick’s disease.
Not all dementia is Alzheimer’s. FTD differs from Alzheimer’s in three important ways:
- It has different symptoms.
Uncharacteristic personality changes, apathy, and unexplained struggles with decision making, movement, speaking or language comprehension are the most common symptoms. Often people appear physically healthy despite the neurodegeneration. - It typically strikes younger.
Most FTD cases occur between the ages of 45 and 64, causing a greater impact on work, family, and finances than Alzheimer’s. - It is often misdiagnosed.
FTD’s estimated U.S. prevalence is around 60,000 cases, and many in the medical community remain unfamiliar with it. FTD is frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s, depression, Parkinson’s disease, or a psychiatric condition. On average, it currently takes 3.6
years to get an accurate diagnosis.
Visit theaftd.org to learn more about how researchers and clinicians are working to end FTD, or find resources for those living with the disease.
See below for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proclamation for FTD Awareness Week.
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