News of celebrity Bruce Willis' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has created huge media interest, and outpouring of sympathy for the actor - our thoughts are also with Bruce and his family.

It's also left many people asking – what is FTD and how is it different from dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for many types of dementia including Alzheimer's disease, FTD, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, to name a few.

Many people have heard of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, and recently another celebrity Chris Hemsworth shared he has a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to a genetic link.

How is FTD different to other dementias?

Probably one of the most significant differences of FTD to a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease is that it can affect people at a younger age. Symptoms often start between the ages of 40 and 65. Also, because of the region of the brain that is impacted by the condition, a person with FTD may not experience memory loss, a symptom commonly associated with dementia.

The Dementia Podcast “Talking Dementia: What is Frontotemporal Dementia” features geriatrician and Head of Clinical Services at Dementia Support Australia, Professor Steve Macfarlane, discussing some of the symptoms of FTD and exploring the treatment options available.

What are the symptoms of FTD?

Prof Macfarlane tells us that when diagnosing people with dementia and determining what type, he looks very closely at the behaviours the person is experiencing and any language difficulties rather than memory problems.

‘The frontal lobe is the area of the brain that is affected in FTD, and it is this area of the brain that controls personality, behaviour, the ability to control impulses, emotional expression and language.'

In the podcast Lynne Sewell, whose husband Rick lives with FTD, shares her story from Rick's diagnosis through to the challenges of finding assistance, both in terms of care and living arrangements.  

What treatments are available?

“There are currently no drug treatments available to slow or stop the progression of frontotemporal dementia,” says Prof Macfarlane “But understanding the person, what may trigger a certain behaviour can help manage the symptoms.”

Prof Macfarlane has co-authored a new textbook that aims to establish non-pharmacological interventions as the best way to address behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Chapter 4 of the BPSD textbook is about frontotemporal dementia and details the latest evidence and understanding relating to characteristics of the condition, the different types, its association with motor neuron disease as well as prevalence, presentation and prognosis.

Sean's Story

Sean's Story is a remarkable first-hand account of living with FTD. Author Sean Kelly was relieved, in some ways, to receive a diagnosis of FTD when he was just 44, because it explained personal challenges he was experiencing.

“I believe getting the right diagnosis has helped me and others to understand what I am experiencing and has given me the best chance to access the right support and manage my symptoms,” Sean says.

He shares his top five tips for living well with younger onset dementia and FTD – learn more and download the book here.