Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive deterioration in behavior, personality, or language, with relative sparing of memory in early stages. Etiologies include tauopathies, TDP-43 proteinopathies, and genetic mutations (MAPT, GRN, C9orf72). Pathophysiology involves selective neuronal loss in frontal and temporal lobes. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by neuroimaging (MRI, PET) and neuropsychological testing. Management is symptomatic, including behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms, and supportive care; prognosis is poor, with progressive disability and shortened life expectancy.