September 25 to October 1, 2023 is Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Awareness Week. We want to take this opportunity to remind you that the Alzheimer Society is here to support all different forms of dementia.
FTD is an umbrella term for a group of rare disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal regions of the brain – the areas generally associated with personality and behaviour.
Researchers estimate that approximately 5-10% of all dementia cases are frontotemporal dementia. However, when symptoms of dementia start before the age of 65 (known as young onset dementia), approximately 20% of cases are frontotemporal dementia.
FTD can cause behaviour changes, difficulties with speech and movement or memory loss. Since the frontal (near the forehead) and temporal (near the ears) areas of the brain can be affected, early symptoms can be related to behaviour or speech. Later signs of FTD can include the more general dementia symptoms, including confusion and forgetfulness.
At the Alzheimer Society, we provide resources for families living with all forms of dementia and think it’s important to acknowledge and bring awareness to FTD. For more information on FTD, please visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada. If you are impacted by FTD and are in need of resources, information or support, contact us today at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) / 1-800-378-6699 (Manitoba) or at alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca.