Understanding The Progression Of Frontal Lobe Dementia And Its Effects On The Brain

Medically reviewed by Arianna Williams, LPC, CCTP
Updated October 9, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Frontal lobe dementia is generally considered to be a type of dementia that primarily affects the brain's frontal and temporal lobes. This type of dementia may also be referred to as frontal-subcortical dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or frontal lobe disorders. As the disease progresses, it may have an immense impact on a person's daily life. Frontal lobe dementia can negatively impact executive function, behavior, personality, memory, and communication. Understanding FTD’s progression and effects on the brain can help individuals with the disease navigate these changes. While there may not be a cure for dementia at this time, FTD symptoms can be managed with a variety of interventions, including online therapy.

Getty/AnnaStills
Therapy may help you cope with frontal lobe dementia

The importance of the frontal and temporal lobes in brain function

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain—regions that are responsible for several vital functions. The frontal lobe is generally the largest part of the brain. It normally plays a role in various functions in the brain, including those that control movement, behavior, language abilities, emotions, and decision-making. It’s sometimes also called the executive area of the brain because it is typically responsible for higher-level functions, such as organizing tasks, planning, and problem-solving.

The temporal lobe is associated with encoding our memory and processing what we hear. It provides the ability to understand the meaning of words and helps you recognize familiar objects and faces. 

Effects of frontal lobe dementia on the brain

The brain's frontal lobe is often critical for many vital functions, including movement control, emotion management, decision-making, and cognitive processes. When nerve cells in the temporal and frontal lobe are lost due to frontal lobe dementia, it can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform everyday tasks and engage in meaningful activities. Thought to be caused by deposits of proteins called tau, frontotemporal lobar degeneration can cause unusual behaviors, trouble communicating, and other challenges. Some of the specific effects of frontal lobe dementia on the brain can include the following: 

  • Impairment of executive functions: As frontotemporal degeneration progresses, individuals with frontal lobe dementia may experience a decline in their ability to pay attention, plan, organize, and problem-solve, potentially making it difficult to carry out complex tasks.

  • Changes in behavior and personality: Individuals with frontal lobe dementia may experience mood, personality, and behavior changes. They may become apathetic, disinhibited, exhibit changes in their social behavior, and display compulsive behaviors (e.g., compulsive eating). 

  • Memory difficulties: Short-term memory may be affected, potentially making it challenging for individuals to recall recent events or retain new information.

  • Communication difficulties: Frontal lobe dementia can affect communication, potentially causing individuals to have trouble with speech, writing, and comprehension. They may also experience difficulty finding the right words to express themselves.

Overall, the effects of frontal lobe dementia on the brain can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks. 

Types of frontal lobe dementia

Frontal lobe dementia occurs in various neurodegenerative diseases. The symptoms of these neurological disorders are different from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. For example, a prominent symptom of Alzheimer’s is early memory loss, while certain behavioral symptoms can indicate a person may have FTD. 

Knowing the specific kind of frontal lobe dementia can help you better manage FTD symptoms and work with your healthcare providers to outline a course of treatment. Below are a few common types. 

Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD)

Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) is the most common frontotemporal dementia. It differs from other types of dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) in that patients often retain their memory but exhibit unusual behaviors such as acting impulsively and saying inappropriate things, struggling with planning and sequencing, and becoming disinterested in their family or previously enjoyed hobbies. 

Primary progressive aphasia

Affecting the parts of the brain responsible for language skills, primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a less common form of FTD that encompasses three variant disorders—progressive non-fluent aphasia, semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, and logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia. This syndrome is characterized by language symptoms and impacts a person’s ability to communicate. Deficits in language ability may include trouble speaking, understanding what others are saying, reading, and writing. Other symptoms include the inability to recognize common objects and familiar faces. 

Movement disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Conditions including corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal dementia with Parkinson’s, and frontotemporal dementia with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may cause movement symptoms, such as body stiffness, along with changes in thinking abilities. 

iStock/kali9

Diagnosing frontal lobe dementia

Frontal lobe dementia has no known risk factors aside from genetic factors. Experts have linked certain genetic variants with different forms of frontotemporal dementia. For that reason, genetic tests have been developed to diagnose these disorders. A diagnosis of frontal lobe dementia may also be made after a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, which may include a physical exam, neuropsychological testing, and laboratory tests. However, only genetic tests or a brain autopsy can be used to diagnose frontal lobe dementia with 100% accuracy.

Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging or a CT scan, may be performed to track disease progression. Other brain scans, like positron emission tracer (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans, can also be employed. Additionally, the healthcare professional may gather information from family and caregivers about the individual's symptoms, personal medical history, family medical history, and changes in behavior and cognition. This information can help to provide a complete picture of the individual's condition in order to diagnose frontotemporal dementia. 

Diagnosis of frontal lobe dementia may not always be straightforward, as its symptoms can be similar to other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's, as well as a mental health condition such as a mood disorder.

Medications may help people with frontotemporal dementia to manage specific symptoms, such as agitation or sleep disturbances, and various therapies can address cognitive and behavioral changes. Once a diagnosis of frontal lobe dementia has been made, the healthcare professional may work with the individual and their family to develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.

In some cases, further testing, such as a lumbar puncture or a brain biopsy, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of frontal lobe dementia. These tests may determine if frontal lobe dementia was caused by a specific disease or condition, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Pick's disease is another possibility, as some patients with frontotemporal lobe dementia have Pick bodies in their brain cells, which contain abnormal protein amounts or types.

Overall, diagnosing frontal lobe dementia can be a complex process that usually involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional and a thorough review of the individual's symptoms, medical history, and behavior. With the right support and treatment, it can be possible to manage the symptoms of frontal lobe dementia and improve the quality of life for people with an FTD diagnosis.

Frontal lobe dementia treatment options

There is likely no cure for frontal lobe dementia, but treatment options may be available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These can include:

  • Medications to manage behavioral symptoms, such as agitation or depression

  • Occupational, physical, and speech therapy

  • Supportive care and counseling for both the individual with dementia and their caregiver(s)

  • Participation in community-based programs and activities that can provide social interaction and stimulation

Coping with frontal lobe dementia

Living with the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia can be a challenging experience for individuals with dementia and their loved ones. Try to keep in mind that there is usually support available for people with FTD. Here are some tips for coping with frontal lobe dementia:

  • Learn as much as you can about the condition, including its progression and treatment options

  • Consider if you are interested in participating in any available clinical trials

  • Seek support from family, friends, and professional organizations and support groups, as well as treatment options like physical and occupational therapy

  • Create a support network that includes healthcare providers, family, and friends

  • Establish routines and maintain a structured schedule to help with memory and decision-making

  • Encourage individuals with dementia to engage in activities they enjoy, such as hobbies or exercise, to help boost their mood and motivation

  • Talk to family members about what support will look like during the course of the disease progression

  • Manage caregiver stress and take time for self-care to prevent burnout

  • Secure social security disability benefits, as FTD automatically qualifies you for approval

Getty
Therapy may help you cope with frontal lobe dementia

Benefits of online therapy

Through online therapy, individuals with frontal lobe dementia can work on managing their dementia symptoms, such as behavioral changes and memory loss, and improving their overall quality of life. For caregivers, therapy can provide a supportive and safe environment to discuss their challenges and experiences and develop coping strategies. Additionally, online therapy may offer educational resources and guidance for individuals and families navigating the complexities of frontal lobe dementia. Plus, it can be easy for those with dementia and their caregivers to reach out, as they can attend sessions from the comfort of their homes.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful for symptoms like memory loss and executive functioning deficits. This type of therapy is generally as effective online as it is in person, offering those with dementia and their caregivers more than one valid option for getting professional help.

Takeaway

Frontal lobe dementia is often a complex condition, but with the right approach and support, it can be possible to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. Support is available for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Online therapy may provide an effective treatment option, offering educational resources and guidance for individuals and families navigating the complexities of frontal lobe dementia.
Navigate the challenges of dementia
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started