What is Frontotemporal Dementia? Know about the condition Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with

To understand frontotemporal dementia, it is to note that dementia is not a specific disease but it is a general term used for impaired ability to remember, think or even make decisions involving day-to-day activities. Frontotemporal dementia is a type of dementia that most often leads to variations in personality and behaviour because of the affected part of the brain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with frontotemporal dementia “may embarrass themselves or behave inappropriately”. CDC further elaborated with an example, stating that a person who is previously cautious can make offensive remarks or even neglect responsibilities from home or work. Moreover, a person diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia may “also be problems with language skills like speaking or understanding”, stated CDC.

Bruce Willis’ family on February 16 announced that the veteran actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. He retired from acting in March 2022. In the announcement on Thursday, Willis’ family said that since they revealed his diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, “Bruce’s condition has progressed” adding further that challenges with communication are just one of the symptoms that he faces.

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What is Frontotemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia for FTD is a group of disorders which is caused by the build-up of tau and other brain cell-destroying proteins in the brain’s frontal lobes, just behind the forehead or temporal lobes, behind the ears. The condition typically starts impacting between the ages of 45 and 64, as per research.

People with FTD are believed to live typically six to eight years, as per US National Insitute on Aging. Remarkably, 10% and 30% of FTD cases are inherited. According to researchers investigating the condition, there are no other known risk factors of FTD other than genetics.

What are the symptoms of FTD?

According to National Insitute on Aging in the US, FTD can result in multiple symptoms such as unusual behaviours, emotional issues, trouble in communication, and difficulty with work or waking up. Health doctors have previously mistakenly diagnosed FTD as depression, schizophrenia, or Alzheimer's disease.

Treatment and management of FTD

NIH has stated that so far, there is no cure for frontotemporal dementia and “no way to slow down or prevent these diseases”. However, the institute has stated that there are ways to manage the symptoms of the disease. Understanding the person’s behaviour and knowing how to respond can reduce the frustration caused by changes in the behaviour of the diagnosed person. For language and other communication-related problems, NIH advises using a communication notebook and speaking slowly among several other methods.

FAQs:

1. Is there a cure for frontotemporal dementia?
   No
2. How old is Bruce Willis?
   67 years