Need Information

[ChattyKathy4]

I am new here and need some information. I was diagnosed last week with Frontotemperal Dementia. I am 59 years old. After neuropsychological testing in 2002, they thought I had early onset Alzheimer's. I was re-tested again in September and now they are saying that they don't think it is Alzheimer's but do feel that it is Frontotemeral Dementia. This is a rare disease, and there doesn't seem to be much information out about it. I am wondering if anyone out there has this or has a loved one with it that would know how fast it progresses and how similar it is to Alzheimer's. Thank you.
Kathy

[camachinist]

IME, marked personality changes, with no obvious physical cause, are a significant symptom of this disease. If diagnosed, at present treatment is somewhat limited and this can be a difficult disease for the caregiver to cope with.

I know how my mom's personality changed after her stroke, while her brain was healing from the neurosurgery, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I thought the insane asylum had descended upon our home.

My sympathies are with you. Definitely verify this diagnosis with a second or third opinion. The expensive scans, MRI, CAT, PET, are usually definitive.

Best wishes!

Pat

[astalavista6]

Hi
Well i have studied about fronto-temporal dementia...it has mainly language problems more severe, progress faster than Alzheimer, has less of genetic correlation etc...Normally alzheimer medicines make it worst as they specific drugs to deal with it...

Also i can advise you better if you can tell about symptoms and how they had progressed & may be what medications involved..............
Have a wonderful time ahead

[SnowyLynne63]

I was dx with Alzheimer's 6 yrs.ago.Aricept was great for 4 yrs.Now I'm on Reminyl & have been the last 2 yrs.I'm still doing great.I have several friends with FTD.Larry Rose who wrote the book "Larry's Way" has FTD...............

[SnowyLynne63]

There is NO cure for Alzheimer's.........