Unmasking FTD: Bengaluru Shines a Light on Frontotemporal Dementia This World Alzheimer's Day

On World Alzheimer's Day, Bengaluru took a crucial step towards demystifying a lesser-known yet devastating form of dementia: Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The Dementia India Alliance (DIA), in collaboration with the Bangalore International Centre, orchestrated an impactful campaign aimed at raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of FTD, which often lurks in the shadows of misdiagnosis.

This critical event highlighted how FTD, unlike Alzheimer's, frequently manifests through perplexing behavioral and personality changes, leading many to mistakenly attribute it to psychiatric illnesses.

Dr. Krishna Prasad, the esteemed President of DIA, underscored the urgent need for heightened public awareness. He emphasized that early and accurate diagnosis is paramount for effective management and support for both patients and their families.

The campaign brought together leading experts to shed light on FTD's complex nature.

Dr. Kiran Kumar, a distinguished neurologist from Aster CMI Hospital, elucidated that FTD primarily targets the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are critical for executive functions, decision-making, social conduct, empathy, and language. Consequently, individuals with FTD often experience a profound shift in their personality, exhibiting behaviors like apathy, disinhibition, or compulsive actions.

Dr. Kumar also noted its prevalence in a younger demographic, typically affecting individuals between 45 and 65 years old, distinguishing it further from other forms of dementia that predominantly affect the elderly.

Adding a national perspective, Dr. Manjari Tripathi, a renowned neurologist from AIIMS, Delhi, joined the discussion via video conference.

She elaborated on the two main subtypes of FTD: the behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). While bvFTD is characterized by prominent changes in personality and behavior, PPA primarily impacts language abilities, leading to difficulties in speaking, understanding, reading, or writing.

The emotional toll on caregivers of FTD patients is immense, often exacerbated by the lack of understanding surrounding the disease.

Families grapple with the bewildering transformation of their loved ones, facing social stigma and isolation. The DIA's initiative aims to empower these caregivers by providing resources, support networks, and vital information, transforming their journey from one of despair to one of informed resilience.

The campaign in Bengaluru served as a beacon of hope and education.

By bringing FTD into the public discourse, it sought to dismantle the barriers of misconception, reduce the stigma associated with the disease, and pave the way for earlier detection and improved quality of life for those living with Frontotemporal Dementia. It was a powerful reminder that understanding is the first step towards compassionate care and meaningful support.