Neurological
Medicines for Frontotemporal dementia
A less common form of dementia affecting the front and sides of the brain, often starting younger and first affecting personality, behaviour or language rather than memory.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a less common form of dementia caused by damage to the front (frontal) and sides (temporal) of the brain — areas that control personality, behaviour, emotions and language. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, it often begins at a younger age (frequently in people in their 40s to 60s), and memory is often relatively preserved early on.
- How it is treated: There is no cure and no treatment that stops FTD progressing, so care focuses on managing symptoms, supporting the person and — very importantly — their family and carers, who face particular challenges given the behaviour and personality changes and often younger age.
- Self-care: Structured routines, strategies and support for behaviour and communication, speech and occupational therapy, carer support, and planning ahead (work, finances, family) all help people with FTD and their families manage the condition.
- When to seek help: See a GP about changes in personality, behaviour or language, especially in a younger person, for assessment and referral — these can be early signs of frontotemporal dementia and are sometimes mistaken for other conditions.
What it is
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a less common form of dementia caused by damage to the front (frontal) and sides (temporal) of the brain — areas that control personality, behaviour, emotions and language. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, it often begins at a younger age (frequently in people in their 40s to 60s), and memory is often relatively preserved early on. Instead, the first changes are usually in personality and behaviour (such as becoming withdrawn, losing empathy, behaving inappropriately or impulsively, or developing repetitive behaviours), or in language (difficulty finding words, understanding speech, or speaking). Because these changes can be mistaken for mental health conditions or seen as personality changes, diagnosis can be delayed. It sometimes runs in families and can be linked to specific genetic changes. It is diagnosed through specialist assessment, brain scans and sometimes genetic testing.
How it is treated
There is no cure and no treatment that stops FTD progressing, so care focuses on managing symptoms, supporting the person and — very importantly — their family and carers, who face particular challenges given the behaviour and personality changes and often younger age. A coordinated approach helps: strategies and support for behaviour and communication, speech and language therapy for language forms, occupational therapy, and support for daily living, alongside treatment of specific symptoms where helpful. Because it often affects younger people, support around work, finances, driving and family (including children) is important, as is planning ahead. Where there is a genetic form, genetic counselling is offered to families. Specialist services, carer support and understanding of the condition make a significant difference to quality of life.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Frontotemporal dementia
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Structured routines, strategies and support for behaviour and communication, speech and occupational therapy, carer support, and planning ahead (work, finances, family) all help people with FTD and their families manage the condition.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about changes in personality, behaviour or language, especially in a younger person, for assessment and referral — these can be early signs of frontotemporal dementia and are sometimes mistaken for other conditions.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Frontotemporal dementia: frequently asked questions
How is frontotemporal dementia different from other dementias?
It often starts younger (40s–60s) and first affects personality, behaviour or language rather than memory (which is often relatively preserved early on). This reflects damage to the front and sides of the brain.
Does frontotemporal dementia run in families?
It sometimes does, and can be linked to specific genetic changes. Where a genetic form is identified, genetic counselling is offered to families to help them understand their risk and options.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Frontotemporal dementia
- Alzheimer's Society guidance
Related conditions
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