Frontotemporal Dementia

Treatment

Although no cure for frontotemporal dementia exists, several medications as well as many non-medication approaches can potentially improve daily functioning and quality of life. One key to effective management is a coordinated approach to the treatment options.

Follow-up care is available at Mayo Clinic. Efforts are made to coordinate care with the patient's primary or local physicians.

Some patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia are eligible to participate in the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). Mayo's ADRC is one of 29 Alzheimer's disease research centers in the United States to be designated and funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health.

Treatment Options

Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and take into account the needs of the patient and family, while providing state-of-the-art care and access to new developments and appropriate clinical trials.

Medication

No medication has yet been identified that successfully slows or stops progression of FTD. However, many medications can improve daily functioning and quality of life for patients and their families. A physician will review which medications are most appropriate for individual patients.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials have recently begun for patients with FTD — these can be accessed on the Clinical Trials page.

Education and Information

It is critical for patients with frontotemporal dementia and their families to be educated and informed about the disorder.

Mayo Clinic offers patients and their families, health care professionals and community members education and the most up-to-date information about frontotemporal dementia.

Education and information resources offered through Mayo Clinic include:

• The book, Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease.
• Other books, videotapes and a quarterly newsletter, "Coping"
• Facilitated support groups for patients in the early stages of dementia and for caregivers
• An annual daylong conference for families and caregivers
• An annual education series, free and open to the public, on Alzheimer's and related dementias, presented by experts from Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimer's Association