Structural changes in the FTD patient's brain can be seen via scans or neuroimaging. Facts As many as 7 million Americans may be afflicted with a form of dementia. FTD occurs predominantly after age 40 and usually before age 65, with equal incidence in men and women. Symptoms Initial symptoms of FTD are primarily changes in personality and behavior. In addition to the symptoms described below, FTD patients often present two seemingly opposite behavioral profiles in the early and middle stages of the disease.
Some individuals are overactive, restless, distractible and disinhibited.
Others are apathetic, inert, aspontaneous and emotionally blunted. These differences in outward activity disappear in the late stages of the disease. The individual may lack initiative, seem unconcerned, and neglect domestic, financial and occupational responsibilities. Loss of empathy toward others. Or they may be inappropriately jocular and sing, dance, clap or recite phrases repeatedly.