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 The signs and symptoms can look like you are withdrawn, anti-social, depressed.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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By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

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By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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