Frontal Lobe Dementia - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Frontal lobe dementia is the name given to any dementia caused by damage to this part of the brain. Frontal lobe dementia is a set of degenerative diseases producing many of the same symptoms as vascular dementia. Frontal lobe dementia is caused in a similar way to Alzheimer's disease in that it involves a progressive decline in a person's mental abilities over a number of years. Damage to brain cells is more localised than in Alzheimer's disease and usually begins in the frontal lobe part of the brain. Frontal lobe dementia , including Pick's disease, can affect both men and women. Although it can affect people at any age, it usually begins between 40 to 65 years of age. It afflects 4 million people in the United States, and it's incidences increase with age. The early symptoms are characterized by an insidious onset and gradual progression of memory loss. The frontal lobe governs people's mood and behaviour. The person's mood and behaviour may become fixed and difficult to change, making them appear selfish and unfeeling The person does not usually have sudden lapses of memory which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Change in personality is often seen with frontal lobe dementia. The main difference between Pick's disease and Alzheimer's disease is that the damage occurs in different areas of the brain, at least in the early stages. In most cases of Pick's disease, the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are the areas affected and with Alzheimer's disease, the temporal and parietal lobes are affected.

Frontal lobe of the brain is the part that governs our mood and behaviour. Histologically, the frontal lobe dementias are proven to be characterized by Pick's cells (Pick's disease). At the present time, these diverse histological types are clinically indistinguishable. FTD can develop at almost any age in either gender. The series included 66% males and 34% females. Pick's disease occurs in the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain that controls behavioral and cognitive functions. Symptoms of Frontal Lobe (aka Frontotemporal) Dementia is Alterations in personality and mood. Impairments in social skills- inappropriate or bizarre social behavior (e.g., eating with one's fingers in public, doing sit-ups in a public restroom, being overly familiar with strangers) Change in activity level - apathy, withdrawal, loss of interest, lack of motivation, and initiative which may appear to be depression but the patient does not experience sad feelings. Persons with this form of dementia may look like they have problems in almost all areas of mental function. There is no treatment to cure or to stop progression of the illness. Certain drugs sometimes may help with behavioural problems, but must be used under careful supervision. Treat or prevent FTD Serotonin-boosting medications may alleviate some behaviors.

Causes of Frontal Lobe Dementia

Common Causes and Risk factors of Frontal Lobe Dementia

• Blockage of small blood vessels (arteries) deep within the brain.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Diabetes.
• Being overweight.
• Smoking.
• High cholesterol..
• Family history of heart problems

Signs and Symptoms of Frontal Lobe Dementia

Sign and symptoms of Frontal Lobe Dementia

• Moving with rapid, shuffling steps
• Slurred speech
• Language problems
• Laughing or crying inappropriately
• Abnormal behavior
• Dizziness.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Memory problems; forgetfulness

Treatment for Frontal Lobe Dementia

Common Treatment for Frontal Lobe Dementia

• Treatment to prevent additional strokes is very important. To prevent additional strokes, medicines to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes can be prescribed.
• A healthy diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol also lessen the risk of further strokes.
• Sometimes aspirin or other drugs are prescribed to prevent clots from forming in the small blood vessels.
• In some cases, surgery carotid endarterectomy may be recommended to remove blockage in the carotid artery, the main blood vessel to the brain.
• Not smoking.
• Limiting intake of alcohol.