One of the most common reasons for young onset of dementia is frontotemporal dementia. Picture a world where the edges of creativity and cognitive decline intersect. This is exactly what frontotemporal dementia is about. It is a neurodegenerative condition that impacts several people and their loved ones every year. Characterised by a gradual decrease in the behaviour, language and other aspects, the disease is forged due to the degradation of frontal and temporal lobes in the brain. The manifestation of its symptoms can result in different ways like personality differences, language complexities, impairing of making decisions and more.

Understanding the disease can help both the patient and the caregiver at different stages. In rare cases, people often experience heightened creative expression and innovative perspectives. But the chances being less, most of the time, the illness destroys the creative side of the human being. This has raised several questions among researchers about the relationship between the brain and human creativity. The purpose of the blog is to decrease those questions effectively.

Frontotemporal Dementia Symptoms

FTD or frontotemporal dementia symptoms might be difficult to notice at first. But gradually, they become notable. The dementia effects are several and the following represents some-

1. Personality changes: People dealing with FTD often undergo remarkable alterations in their personality. They become disinhibited in terms of their social lives. They start displaying inappropriate behaviour in different situations. Some of them may also seem as completely flat in terms of their emotional expression. They are judged by their declined emotional responses.
2. Language difficulties: Impairments of language are very common in frontotemporal dementia. People find it difficult to select the right words at the right time. They are unable to speak fluently or understand a language gradually. In a few cases, it has been observed that they use socially strange languages like use of hands or different types of words.
3. Executive dysfunction: This takes place when the human being finds it difficult to solve a problem or make decisions. This can also result in poor planning or judging of actions. Resultantly, individuals dealing with FTD seem strange to others.
4. Differences in eating habits: Overeating or developing a preference for specific type of food or diet can also be the result of FTD illness.
5. Motor symptoms: Motor neuron diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are very common in FTD.

The 7 stages of frontotemporal dementia: 

Stage 1: Normal functioning of the individual: 

In the initial stages, people dealing with frontotemporal dementia may look normal which makes it difficult to identify the illness. However, subtle changes in the individual’s behaviour or responses put them in doubt in front of their family members and friends. 

Stage 2: Mild changes:

At this level, the person experiences mild behavioural and personality changes. They result in socially inappropriate beings with impulsive behaviour or with no behaviour at all. Friends and family notice these changes easily in comparison to the first stage.

Stage 3: Speech and language problems:

This is also said to be early speech and language problems. Individuals at this stage start speaking in a strange manner and using socially inappropriate signs and actions to communicate. They struggle to follow conversations, words, expressions and memorise things with time. 

Stage 4: Moderate decline of cognitive state:

Cognitive actions continue to decrease at this level. People may feel a struggle with memory, judgement and making decisions. Living life normally becomes challenging.

Stage 5: Severe changes in behaviour:

This is often the stage where most people get diagnosed. At this stage, it becomes highly unlikely for the family members or loved ones to notice differences. The agitation and the irritation in the individuals dealing with FTD become obvious. It is followed by apathy and aggression next.

Stage 6: Significant cognitive decline:

This is the stage where the person completely loses himself or herself. Individuals forget communicating verbally or indulge in basic self-care tasks. They also go through physical symptoms like muscle fatigue. 

Stage 7: The end stage of frontotemporal dementia:

This is the final and the last stage of frontotemporal dementia. These individuals have to remain bedridden for long intervals of time. They are often non-verbal and not able to identify their near and dear ones. This level of dementia is marked by extreme dementia with decrease of physical and cognitive functioning.

Influence of Frontotemporal Dementia on Creativity

Certain areas in our brains play an important role in our creative functioning. These areas serve as the birth point of our imagination and enable us to paint, write and do similar activities. Unfortunately, frontotemporal dementia doesn't give you these opportunities. The illness disrupts the creative side of a human being. This changes the ways a person can see and approach the human beings present in the world. Their conversations become highly unexpected and unrealistic. Even their expectations become an unexpected act. 

Conclusion

Frontotemporal dementia can be tough to deal with. Especially in the later stages, a human being seems almost abnormal and difficult to approach. Actions become notable and symptoms come out in a highlighted manner. What makes it even bad? The fact that even quality communication becomes a mere dream. Individuals undergo 7 worse stages of the illness until the end arrives and they completely lose themselves. Getting treated from the best of the country’s medical experts can help you or your loved one manage the disease effectively.