September 2011

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Health Capsule

Learn About Frontotemporal Disorders

Few people have heard of frontotemporal disorders, but they are a common cause of dementiaLoss of thinking, memory and reasoning skills that seriously affects your ability to carry out daily activities. in people under age 65. These conditions gradually rob people of basic abilities—thinking, talking, walking and socializing—that most of us take for granted.

Frontotemporal disorders often strike people in the prime of life, when they are working and raising families. Families suffer as they struggle to cope with the person’s daily needs as well as changes in relationships and finances. Understanding these little-known conditions can help people affected by them know what to expect and how to cope with the challenges that arise.

Frontotemporal Disorders: Information for Patients, Families, and Caregivers is a booklet from NIH’s National Institute on Aging that describes the types of frontotemporal disorders, their causes, diagnoses and common symptoms. Tips for caregivers and a list of resources are also included.

Go to www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/frontotemporal-disorders/introduction to view the booklet online or to order a free print copy. You can also call 1-800-438-4380.