Health Beat

Today, Livesmart is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Judith A. Barnes.

Alzheimer ’s disease gets the headlines when it comes to dementia, but it’s not the only disorder robbing people of their ability to fully interact with the world around them. Back in February, I lost a dear friend to frontotemporal dementia. As described by the Alzheimer’s Association it’s caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal lobes, i.e., the areas behind your forehead or its temporal lobes and the regions behind your ears. Behavior changes, including an impaired ability to recognize danger, to speak, and, eventually, to fully function, are the symptoms. Often it’s friends or family recognizing the personality changes. There are different types of frontotemporal dementia. The behavioral variant often begins in the 50s or 60s, but has been seen in people as young as their 20s and as old their 80s. Judgement, empathy, and foresight are most notably affected. Another form, primary progressive aphasia, affects writing and speaking skills. Most often, it develops before age 65. The third variant affects mobility. There is no cure for any of these variations. It is progressive. It’s inherited in about a third of cases, so genetic counseling may be of help in planning. Eventually, people with this form of dementia die because of the physical impact that can cause skin, urinary tract, or lung infections. It was a urinary tract infection that claimed my dear friend. Surrounded by friends, her end was peaceful. That’s all we can wish for those we love who are so afflicted. For more info go to https://www.alz. org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-ofdementia/frontotemporal-dementia.