Post on 03-Feb-2022
transcript
To schedule an appointment, call 717-531-4191
For more information call, 717-531-1039
Frontotemporal
Dementia
Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic
The Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic is part of
Penn State Hershey Neuroscience Institute at Penn State
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. We specialize in the
diagnosis, treatment, and study of patients with memory
and cognition disorders.
Paul Eslinger, Ph.D.,
Neuropsychologist
Claire Flaherty-Craig, Ph.D.,
Neuropsychologist
David Gill, M.D.,
Cognitive and Behavioral
Neurologist
Mark Allshouse, B.A.,
Support Group Facilitator
Services Provided • Comprehensive diagnostic neurological evaluation
• Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation
• Close collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association and
other community organizations
• State-of-the-art, on-site brain MRI and CT facilities
• On-site laboratory and pharmacy
• On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapists
• Community referral for psychosocial support for patients
and caregivers
• Follow-up care for optimal management of memory and
cognitive concerns
• Frontotemporal Dementia Caregivers Support Group
30 Hope Drive
Entrance B
Hershey, PA 17033
Other Symptoms of FTD Behavioral symptoms often include
hyperactive behavior, lack of personal
hygiene, change in eating habits, impulsive
spending, shoplifting, and others.
Emotional symptoms include apathy,
emotional blunting, mood changes, and
lack of insight. Cognitive symptoms may
include poor financial judgment, impaired
planning and problem solving ability,
distractibility, and inflexibility.
Diagnosis and Prognosis Frontotemporal dementia is often
misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinsons, or a psychiatric disorder.
However, expert medical personnel, utilizing
a complete medical history, a full
neurological exam, and neuroimaging, will
be able to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
FTD is a progressive disease for which there
is, at this time, no cure. Some patients may
benefit from certain drug therapies which
should be discussed with a physician. It is
important that caregivers plan for long-term
care of the FTD patient and that they seek
the assistance of medical specialists. Legal
and financial planning, including power of
attorney, is also important.
Second only to Alzheimer’s disease in
prevalence, frontotemporal dementia
(FTD) accounts for up to 20% of
dementia cases in patients under 65
years of age. Frontotemporal dementia
is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric
problem or as Alzheimer's disease.
However, FTD tends to occur at a
younger age than does Alzheimer's
disease, typically between the ages of
40 and 70.
While some symptoms of FTD are
similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s
patients, lack of insight and socially
difficult behavioral problems are
common symptoms of FTD not usually
found in Alzheimer’s patients. Executive
functions, such as attention, planning,
and problem solving, are commonly
affected early on. However, memory
remains largely intact and is only
affected late in the progression of the
disease. Prominent symptoms of FTD
include language abnormalities,
emotional deficits, and disinhibition.
Contact Mark Allshouse, B.A. at
717-586-8351 or via email at
mea171@psu.edu for more information
about joining our Frontotemporal
Dementia Caregiver Support Group.
What is Frontotemporal
Dementia?
Caregiver Support Group Providing care for a loved one with
frontotemporal dementia can be difficult
and stressful, especially due to the
profound changes in personality and
frequent behavioral problems. A
supportive and friendly group of people,
who share the same concerns with regard
to coping with this difficult disease, can
reduce much of that stress.
The purpose of The Frontotemporal De-
mentia Caregivers Support Group is to
provide a safe place to discuss the
challenges of providing care to a loved
one suffering from frontotemporal
dementia. Educational materials and
introduction to community resources will
also be made available to members.
The support group meets on the third
Thursday of each month, from 6:00 to
8:00 pm, at 30 Hope Dr., entrance B,
room 1019.