Frontotemporal Dementia: Signs & Symptoms

Donna Nichols • August 9, 2021

Have you ever heard of Frontotemporal Dementia?

I haven’t until I read this article; I think this is very important information and needs to be out there for everyone.

Please after reading my highlights, follow up and read the entire article; trust me, it will be well worth it.

1. Frontotemporal dementia tends to start at younger ages; often between the ages of forty-five and sixty-five, but can start as early as twenty.

2. Frontotemporal dementia can be confused with depression, schizophrenia, or Alzheimer’s, thus making it hard to diagnose. The part of the brain that is affected controls personality, emotions, behaviors, and speech. In the beginning, it leaves the part of the brain alone that controls your short-term memory, which would make you think you’re perfectly fine.

3. The signs and symptoms can look like you are withdrawn, anti-social, depressed. You can show signs of a lack of personal hygiene, overeating and severe weight gain. The person with FTD may be unaware they are displaying these behaviors as it is a disease of the brain.

4. There are signs and symptoms with a person’s speech, such as finding the right word to say, speaking with hesitation. Should you notice any of these changes in you or someone you know, you may want to be checked out by a doctor just to be safe.

5. You will need to have blood work, brain imaging, an MRI and a CT scan done along with any other testing your doctor feels appropriate to diagnose FTD or to rule out other causes for your symptoms.

6. Right now, the only risk factor for FTD is a family history of dementia, but not all those with FTD have a history of dementia. There is no cure for FTD, but there are medications that can improve the quality of life for those living with FTD.

I think you should all read the full article for more information; of course, it’s up to you, but it will be well worth it. The signs and symptoms of FTD mask everyday signs and symptoms of just about everything. Perhaps that’s what I found most fascinating.

Please click on the link below.

If you think your loved one has symptoms of Alzheimer’s or related dementia, please get them to a doctor quickly. Also, contact Assisted Living Made Simple for more information on our monthly Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups.

The Essential Facts about Frontotemporal Dementia !

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

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Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.