What is
FTD?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the most common type of dementia affecting individuals younger than 60. It is also called Frontotemporal dementia, Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or Pick's disease.
Rather than a single illness, FTD describes a group of neurodegenerative conditions that damage the brain’s frontal and/or temporal lobes, leading to progressive changes in behavior, language, and movement.
Forms of FTD
FTD includes several clinical presentations:
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Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD)
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FTD with ALS (FTD-ALS)
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Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS)
The Hard Truth
5-10%
Of dementia cases in Canada can be classified as Frontotemporal Dementia (or FTD).
However, thousands of people go mis or
un-diagnosed due to the rarity and lack of awareness of the disease.
1 million
Nearly 1 million Canadians are living with some form of dementia. Each day, more than 400 Canadians develop dementia, and that number is expected to grow significantly by 2030.
0%
In Canada, there are limited supports and low awareness for people living with FTD. Families often struggle to find knowledgeable care and appropriate resources. Stronger advocacy is needed to increase education, improve services, and ensure Canadians affected by FTD receive the support they deserve.
FTD Progression
The progression of FTD varies significantly from person to person. Symptoms gradually worsen over time, affecting independence and daily functioning. The disease may progress over a period as short as two years or extend beyond two decades.
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As FTD advances, individuals may experience:
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Increasing difficulty with planning, decision-making, and organization
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Socially inappropriate or impulsive behavior
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Growing challenges with communication
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Strain in work and family relationships
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In later stages, complications such as infections, falls, and pneumonia are more likely. Average survival after symptom onset is generally between 7 and 13 years, with pneumonia being the most common cause of death.
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At present, there is no cure for FTD, nor are there therapies proven to stop or reverse its progression. However, symptom management strategies including medications, behavioral approaches, and supportive therapies can improve comfort and quality of life.
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Because FTD affects many areas of life, assembling a knowledgeable care team is essential. Medical specialists, legal and financial advisors, and emotional support resources can help individuals and families navigate the challenges associated with FTD.