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What should you know about frontotemporal dementia?

How the structures involved in Dementia differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Dementia differ from normal

Short answer

Frontotemporal dementia is a group of brain disorders that can change behaviour, personality, language and decision-making, often before memory becomes the main concern.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main areas affected
Behaviour, personality, language and executive thinking
Memory early on
May be less affected than behaviour or language
First step
Book a clinical assessment for persistent change

What it can look like

Changes may include loss of social judgement, impulsive or repetitive actions, reduced empathy, unusual eating habits, or difficulty finding words and understanding speech. Some people develop movement problems. Memory can remain relatively strong early on, so the first changes may be mistaken for stress, depression or a personality problem. The pattern varies between people and can affect work, relationships, finances and safety.

Practical next steps

Arrange a GP consultation if behaviour, language or daily functioning has changed and the pattern is continuing. Take notes about when changes began, examples from home or work, medicines, sleep and alcohol use. A clinician may review health, mood, thinking and movement, then arrange specialist assessment. Support can include routines, communication strategies, supervision with risky tasks and advice for family carers. Explore [Dementia](/conditions/dementia/) and [Memory Problems](/symptoms/memory-problems/) for related information.

When to seek care

Seek urgent medical help for sudden confusion, new weakness, facial drooping, severe headache, a seizure, collapse or trouble speaking that starts abruptly. Contact a clinician promptly when someone is wandering, unable to manage food or medicines, becoming unsafe at home, or showing rapid worsening. New loss of bladder control can have several causes; discuss it with a clinician rather than assuming it is dementia. See [Urinary Incontinence](/symptoms/urinary-incontinence/) and arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Questions for your doctor

Which changes suggest a frontotemporal pattern? What tests or specialist referrals are appropriate? How can we make communication and daily routines easier? What support is available for the person and family carers? Would a [Mental Health Assessment](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/mental-health-assessment/) help assess mood or other explanations?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is frontotemporal dementia the same as memory-led dementia?

No. It commonly begins with behaviour, personality or language changes, although memory and other thinking skills can become affected later.

Can difficult behaviour be part of the condition?

Yes. Loss of inhibition, reduced empathy or repetitive actions can reflect brain changes, but a clinician should assess other possible causes.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.