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Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder or Alzheimer’s disease. Signs and symptoms vary depending on what section of the brain is being affected.
FTD is a disease which causes progressive damage to the temporal and/or frontal lobes of the brain. The disorder also may be referred to as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) or Pick’s disease.
Most people living with this disease will endure dramatic changes in their personality, becoming impulsive or emotionally indifferent. Sometimes, they eventually lose the ability to use and understand language.
The lack of language skills is a highly devastating symptom, often coinciding with social withdrawal. Naturally, this leaves the person hiding in a shell of solitude. Many may develop what is known as Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). This symptom usually starts developing around the second year of the disease. With this type of dementia, you may not see the characteristic of memory loss as you would with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, you may first notice a person’s inability to concentrate and extreme changes in such a person’s behavior. This often misleads many physicians into believing their patients are experiencing psychiatric problems.
Here are a few signs of FTD to be aware of:
This disease onset typically strikes people between the ages of 50s and 60s. But according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), it has been seen as early as 21 years old and as late as 80 years. Roughly 60% of the cases are between 45-64 years of age.
Problems may also occur with motor skills, similar to those of Parkinson’s disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease attacks the frontal or temporal lobes (possibly both) of the brain, creating those sections to wither or shrink.
Recently, I had a phone conversation with a woman whose husband, at the age of 62, has been diagnosed with FTD. She said that his doctor initially diagnosed him with depression. Soon after, he was dismissed from his job for many years due to a lack of concentration. The doctors have told her that disease has now progressed into the latter stages.
As he is now experiencing hallucinations, I genuinely feel for her. One thing which amazed me is her husband tells her that he thinks something is wrong behind his forehead. Because of his loss of language skills, he now only speaks to her or to close family members. This behavior appears on the surface as being unsociable, but it is a symptom of the disease.
There are so many different types of dementia in existence. However, the thing they all have in common is they are all extremely difficult to diagnose. The earlier the patient does get appropriately diagnosed, the better they can genuinely be cared for.
For more information on FTD, please visit the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website which is www.theaftd.org.
Gary Joseph LeBlanc
Education Director
Dementia Spotlight Foundation
As we grow older, many daily activities that were once simple can become more difficult, including preparing healthy meals. For seniors, proper nutrition is essential to maintain energy, supporting the immune system, managing chronic conditions, and staying independent. Thats why meal preparation isnt just a convenience, its a lifeline.Key Benefits of Meal Preparation for Seniors1. Ensures Balanced, Nutritious MealsHaving meals prepared in advance ensures that seniors are eating regularly and get the essential nutrients their bodies need. It prevents reliance on unhealthy processed foods or skipping meals altogether.2. Supports Chronic Condition ManagementMany seniors live with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Proper meal planning allows for dietary restrictions to be met, helping control symptoms and reduce complications.3. Reduces the Risk of MalnutritionMalnutrition is a silent threat among older adults, especially those living alone. Meal preparation helps safeguard against this by promoting consistent, nourishing eating habits.4. Promotes Independence and DignitySeniors who struggle with cooking may feel frustrated or dependent. Having meals planned and readywhether through caregiver support or meal delivery servicesallows them to eat well without feeling like a burden.5. Encourages Social EngagementWhen meal prep includes shared cooking or mealtimes, it creates opportunities for connection. Eating with a companion improves mood, reduces loneliness, and often encourages better eating habits.6. Saves Energy and Prevents AccidentsShopping, standing at the stove, lifting pots, or cutting ingredients can be physically taxing and even dangerous. Meal preparation helps minimize fatigue and reduces the risk of falls or burns in the kitchen. Meal Preparation OptionsThere are several ways to incorporate meal prep into a seniors routine: Family or caregiver assistance for shopping, cooking, and portioning meals Meal delivery services that offer senior-friendly, diet-conscious options Community programs such as Meals on Wheels Group cooking sessions at senior centers that combine nutrition with social interaction Freezer meal prepping once a week or month to ensure ready-made meals are always available Meal preparation is about more than just food, its about health, safety, and quality of life. For seniors, having access to nutritious, well-planned meals means more energy, better health, fewer hospital visits, and the ability to stay independent longer.
As we age, our bodies and minds go through a variety of changes, many of which can increase the likelihood of falling. For older adults, falls are not just a minor mishap; they can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence, and a lower quality of life. Understanding why seniors are more vulnerable to falls is the first step in creating safer environments and developing effective prevention strategies.The Aging Body and Increased Fall RiskSeveral age-related factors contribute to an increased risk of falls among seniors. These include physical, sensory, and cognitive changes that often occur gradually but can have a significant impact.1. Decreased Muscle Strength and FlexibilityWith age, muscles naturally weaken, and joints may become stiffer. This can reduce balance, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder to prevent a fall when tripping or slipping.2. Poor Balance and Gait ChangesChanges in the way a person walksoften due to arthritis, neurological conditions, or previous injuriescan lead to an unsteady gait. Seniors may shuffle their feet, walk slower, or have trouble lifting their legs, all of which increase fall risk.3. Vision DeclineVision plays a critical role in balance and spatial awareness. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration make it difficult to judge distances, see steps clearly, or identify hazards in dim lighting.4. Hearing LossHearing is connected to balance. Inner ear problems or age-related hearing loss can lead to vertigo or dizziness, making it harder for seniors to stay upright.5. Chronic Health ConditionsMany seniors live with chronic diseases such as: Diabetes (which can cause nerve damage and numbness in the feet) Heart disease (leading to dizziness or fatigue) Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers (affecting movement, memory, and decision-making) These conditions can impair coordination and increase confusion, both of which heighten fall risk.6. Medication Side EffectsOlder adults often take multiple medications, which can interact and cause side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, or blurred visionall potential contributors to falls.7. Cognitive ImpairmentSeniors with dementia or other cognitive disorders may have poor judgment, forget to use walkers or canes, or become disoriented, all of which increase their chances of falling.8. Low Physical Activity LevelsWhen seniors become less active, muscles weaken and balance deteriorates. A sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to frailty, making even routine movements more hazardous. What Can Be Done?Awareness is the first step. By understanding why seniors are more prone to falls, families, caregivers, and seniors themselves can take proactive steps such as: Regular balance and strength exercises Home safety modifications Routine vision and hearing checks Medication reviews with a doctor Use of mobility aids as needed Falling doesnt have to be a normal part of aging. By recognizing the reasons behind increased fall risk in seniors, we can create supportive environments that promote confidence, mobility, and independence. With the right strategies in place, seniors can continue living full, active, and safe.
Seniors Helping Seniors In-Home Care Recognizes Alzheimers and Brain Awareness MonthSeniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA in-home care underscores the importance of compassionate support for those living with Alzheimers and the families who care for them. PITTSBURGH, PA June marks Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the more than 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia a number projected to nearly double by 2050. In honor of this important month, Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA in-home care is raising awareness about the role compassionate in-home care can play in improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. According to the 2024 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers and other dementias. These caregivers often experience high levels of emotional, physical and financial stress. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care offers relief through peer-based, non-medical services designed to help seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes while easing the responsibilities placed on caregivers. Our mission is to provide support, dignity and companionship to seniors including those facing memory challenges, said C.J. Girod, President of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA. By matching seniors who need care with active, compassionate older adults, we create a connection that enhances quality of life for both the caregiver and the care recipient. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care provides flexible support with tasks such as meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and, perhaps most importantly, companionship a service that can be especially meaningful for those navigating memory loss. With new treatments for Alzheimers emerging and awareness on the rise, we believe its vital to offer families the support they need to navigate this journey, said Namrata Yocom-Jan, president of Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care. We are proud to be part of the care solution, providing personalized, respectful services that promote dignity and connection. ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS: Seniors Helping Seniors franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After moving to the U.S. in 1995 and marrying her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding home care provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors network has grown to 400 territories nationwide and over 200 franchise partners in 37 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.
At Arden Courts Memory Care Community in Ft. Myers, memory care is our sole focus. Located on McGregor Blvd, our community is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Our caregivers are specially trained to provide compassionate care and support tailored to each resident's needs.Arden Courts features welcoming common spaces, including inviting kitchens and family rooms, where residents can socialize and engage in meaningful activities. Our enclosed courtyards offer safe outdoor spaces with walking paths, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air and nature in a secure environment.We understand the challenges families face when a loved one has memory loss, and we're here to provide peace of mind and support. Our community is dedicated to promoting the safety, comfort, and well-being of our residents, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care in a warm and nurturing environment.
At Arden Courts Memory Care Community in Ft. Myers, memory care is our sole focus. Located on McGregor Blvd, our community is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Our caregivers are specially trained to provide compassionate care and support tailored to each resident's needs.Arden Courts features welcoming common spaces, including inviting kitchens and family rooms, where residents can socialize and engage in meaningful activities. Our enclosed courtyards offer safe outdoor spaces with walking paths, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air and nature in a secure environment.We understand the challenges families face when a loved one has memory loss, and we're here to provide peace of mind and support. Our community is dedicated to promoting the safety, comfort, and well-being of our residents, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care in a warm and nurturing environment.