A doctoral thesis at the Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap), Sahlgrenska Academy and the University of Gothenburg, examined the occurrence of the risk factors that can lead to frontotemporal dementia.
As opposed to previous belief, the studies showed that the disease is common also late in life.
Based on the long-term H70 population studies in Gothenburg, the thesis concluded that approximately one out of every thirty person older than 80 years has frontotemporal dementia. Furthermore, mortality is higher than for other forms of dementia.
Alcohol abuse a risk factor
Among the risk factors identified by the researchers are previous alcohol abuse, stroke, head trauma and hypothyroidism.
“Behavioural changes caused by frontotemporal dementia can be devastating, often leading to divorce and institutionalisation,” Thorsteinn Gislason says. “But doctors frequently fail to diagnose the disease. Given that it requires a different kind of treatment than other forms of dementia, such oversights are serious.”
The findings suggest that doctors should be more observant regarding symptoms of frontotemporal dementia in the elderly.
Dr Gislason defended Frontotemporal dementia in late life: Prevalence, risk factors and mortality on June 5.
FACTS ABOUT FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA
Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal lobe of the brain, which controls planning, social behaviour, emotions and empathy. The primary symptoms are abnormal behaviour, lack of judgement and poorer empathetic ability. The disease is difficult to treat, nearly always requiring 24-hour care and specially adapted housing.
For additional information, feel free to contact:
Thorsteinn Gislason, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
Ingmar Skoog, Professor, Sahlgrenska Academy, and Director of AgeCap, University of Gothenburg
BY: Krister Svahn