MedicineNet.com

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2012

Pick Disease (cont.)

In this Article

Is frontotemporal dementia inherited?

There is a strong genetic component to the disease; frontotemporal dementia often runs in families.

Is there any treatment for frontotemporal dementia?

No treatment has been shown to slow the progression of frontotemporal dementia. Behavior modification may help control unacceptable or dangerous behaviors. Aggressive, agitated, or dangerous behaviors could require medication. Anti-depressants have been shown to improve some symptoms.

What is the prognosis (the outlook) for frontotemporal dementia?

The outcome for people with frontotemporal dementia is poor. The disease progresses steadily and often rapidly, ranging from less than 2 years in some individuals to more than 10 years in others. Eventually some individuals with frontotemporal dementia will need 24-hour care and monitoring at home or in an institutionalized care setting.

What research is being done on frontotemporal dementia?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conduct research related to FTD in laboratories at the NIH, and also support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Where can I find more information about frontotemporal dementia?

Association for Frontotemporal Dementias (AFTD)
100 North 17th Street Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19103
info@FTD-Picks.org
http://www.FTD-Picks.org
Tel: 267-514-7221 866-507-7222

SOURCE: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke


Last Editorial Review: 4/9/2008



MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Pick Disease by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Dementia
      • Dementia is a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. There are different criteria classification schemes for dementias such as cortical, subcortical, progressive, primary, and secondary dementias. Other conditions and medication reactions can also cause dementia. Dementia is diagnosed based on a certain set of criteria. Treatment for dementia is generally focused on the symptoms of the disease.
    • Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)
      • The spleen enlarges if it is asked to do excessive work in filtering or manufacturing blood cells, if there is abnormal blood flow to it, or if it is invaded with abnormal cells or deposits. Symptoms of an enlarged spleen may include weakness and fatigue, easy bleeding, and poor white blood cell function. Treatment of an enlarged spleen is focused toward the cause of the splenomegaly. Surgery may be required to remove the spleen.
    • Genetic Disease
      • Genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by abnormalities in a person's genome. Types of genetic inheritance include single inheritance (for example, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Marfan syndrome, and hemochromatosis), multifactoral inheritance, chromosome abnormalities (for example, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome), and mitochondrial inheritance (for example, epilepsy and dementia).
    • Genetic Counseling
      • Your health care provider may refer you to a genetic professional. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated genetic professionals, or can provide referrals to a genetic professional or genetics clinic. Genetic counseling provides patients and family members the tools to make the right choice in regard to test for a disease or condition.
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

WebMD Daily

Get breaking medical news.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain









Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies