In this article we will talk about frontal lobe dementia and life expectancy with this condition.
Also, we will tell you what are the causes and the symptoms of frontal lobe dementia and how to treat this condition. If you know someone who lives with frontal lobe dementia, this article may be useful for you.
What Is Frontal Lobe Dementia?
Frontal lobe dementia refers to several disorders that may affect our frontal and temporal brain lobes. These brain areas are controlling our emotions, speech and also our personalities. Frontal lobe dementia may cause the brain to lose its function. This type of dementia is also known as frontotemporal dementia.
The Symptoms and the Types of Frontal Lobe Dementia
The symptoms of this condition vary because different brain areas may be affected. People with this condition will change and their behavior will be quite unusual. There are two groups of symptoms.
The most frequent behavioral symptoms of frontotemporal dementia are indifference, apathy, poor personal hygiene, inadequate actions, impulsiveness, etc.
The symptoms of frontal lobe dementia that are related to language are usually difficulties in speaking, difficulties in movement, difficulties to concentrate and to plan, etc.
There are three types of frontal lobe dementia and each of them is determined by its most common symptoms. The first one affects behavior and personality, while the second type affects speech. There is also the third type of dementia, which also refers to difficulties in speaking. People who are suffering from this type of dementia usually lose the ability to recall the words.
The Causes and the Risk Factors
It is not easy to determine the main cause of frontal lobe dementia but there are some possible causes. Studies have shown that some protein structures may appear in our brain and they are known as Pick bodies. Because of that, frontal lobe dementia is sometimes known as Pick’s disease.
These abnormal proteins are considered one of the main causes of this type of dementia. Actually, it is proved that these proteins might affect the function of our brain. But, experts still don’t know how these protein structures develop and how we can prevent them.
Studies have shown that our genes are the most common risk factor of frontal lobe dementia. Actually, there are several genes that are associated with this condition. If there is a member in your family who has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, then you will be also at high risk of developing this condition.
Also, if you suffer from frontal lobe dementia, there is a risk that your family members will have this problem as well. Fortunately, not all family members are at the risk. Studies have shown that about a half of people who have frontal lobe dementia don’t have any similar case in their families.
Diagnosis
There is not one determined test which could diagnose frontal lobe dementia. Doctors need to have in account all other conditions with similar symptoms. There are several tests that doctors are using to diagnose this condition.
In the first place, it is necessary to do a test of the blood, which will diagnose all potential causes of this disease.
Brain imaging is one more test for diagnosing frontal lobe dementia. With this test doctors need to check if there are any blood clots or tumor.
Neuropsychological tests will test your memory skills and they may be very helpful to doctors to identify the condition.
Also, another test that is used for diagnosing frontal lobe dementia is a magnetic resonance imaging, which will give an image of our brain in detail.
Treatment and Life Expectancy
Unfortunately, it is impossible to cure this type of dementia. The treatment of frontal lobe dementia is based on relieving the symptoms. The treatment includes taking medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, etc. There is also a speech therapy that will help individuals who have difficulties with speaking.
Not only medications are enough for proper treatment of frontal lobe dementia, but it is also important to change a lifestyle. It is very important for people with this type of dementia to live in a comfortable place.
The environment should be familiar and peaceful, without noise and crowds. Also, people who have problems with speaking will need an environment where they will communicate without difficulties.
In frontal lobe dementia is in its early stage, it can be treated well. But, when disease has already progressed, people will need all-day care. It is proved that this condition will shorten the life of a patient. Studies have shown that most people with frontal lobe dementia live only 6 to 8 years after the disease was discovered.
If someone in your family or your close relative or friend suffers from frontal lobe dementia, you should consult the doctor and talk with him about all symptoms that you notice. But, if you are the one who have this condition, it is necessary to find support in a group. Also, you should learn to cope with all the effects of this condition.
Summary
You have seen in this article that frontal lobe dementia is a condition that may affect our brain functions. People with this condition have problems with speaking and behavior and their personalities are changing completely.
The treatment of frontal lobe dementia is based on alleviating the symptoms. It is necessary to use medications, but also to change a lifestyle. If people near you are suffering from this condition, they will need your help and support.
