diagnostic criteria for frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is identified by significant changes in personality, behavior, and language due to nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal parts of the brain. Key signs include noticeable shifts in personality, difficulty with language (such as struggling to find words or understanding speech), and changes in social behavior like impulsiveness or apathy. These symptoms usually develop gradually and are different from typical aging or other forms of dementia like Alzheimer's. Doctors diagnose FTD based on clinical history, neurological exams, and sometimes brain imaging, ensuring symptoms are persistent and not caused by other medical conditions.