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Frontotemproal Dementia & Metabolism

Frontotemporal dementia is a type of irreversible decline in cognitive functioning. A feature of frontotemporal dementia is a diminished rate of cerebral glucose metabolism.

  1. Frontotemporal Dementia

    • Frontotemporal dementia, which may also be known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration, refers to disorders that negatively affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain regulate personality, behavior and language capabilities.

    Features

    • According to research published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders in 2004, frontotemporal dementia is associated with a decline in glucose metabolism in certain parts of the brain.

    Metabolism

    • Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions within the body whereby certain substances are transformed into simpler substances that the body uses for energy, cell growth, cell maintenance and nourishment. Metabolic processes convert proteins, fats and carbohydrates into glucose, a simple sugar used by the body for energy.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may vary from person to person, according to MayoClinic.com. Common symptoms include behavioral disturbances, impaired speech and language capabilities, apathy, and movement disorders.

    Considerations

    • There is no cure for frontotemporal dementia and treatment involves managing symptoms. Treatment may involve antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, as well as some form of therapy.

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