Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you've been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, receiving support, care and compassion from people you trust can be invaluable. Through your doctor or the Internet, find a support group for people with frontotemporal dementia. You'll find information tailored for your needs, as well as a forum that gives you the opportunity to share your experiences and feelings.
For caregivers
Caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia can be challenging and stressful because of the extreme personality changes and behavioral problems that frequently develop. Caregivers need assistance — from family members and friends, support groups, or respite care provided by adult care centers or home health care agencies.
When a person with frontotemporal dementia requires 24-hour care, most families turn to nursing homes. Plans made ahead of time will make this transition easier and may allow the person to be involved in the decision-making process.
- Ropper AH, et al. Degenerative diseases of the nervous system. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3639100&searchStr=frontotemporal+dementia. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Simon RP, et al. Disorders of cognitive function. In: Simon RP, et al. Clinical Neurology. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5145195&searchStr=frontotemporal+dementia. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Randall C. Frontotemporal dementia: Clinical features and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- NINDS Frontotemporal dementia information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Seelaar H, et al. Clinical, genetic and pathological heterogeneity of frontotemporal dementia: a review. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. In press. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Kirshner HS. Frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia: An update. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. 2010;10:504.
- Bird TD, et al. Dementia. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies. 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2904115&searchStr=frontotemporal+dementia. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Shadlen M, et al. Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Press D, et al. Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 7, 2010.
- Knopman DS (expert opinion), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 14, 2010.

Find Mayo Clinic on