{"id":44261,"date":"2026-02-12T14:10:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T14:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/frontotemporal-dementia-explained-why-it-happens-and-whos-at-risk\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T14:10:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T14:10:21","slug":"frontotemporal-dementia-explained-why-it-happens-and-whos-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/frontotemporal-dementia-explained-why-it-happens-and-whos-at-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Frontotemporal Dementia Explained: Why It Happens and Who\u2019s at Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/comprehensive-guide-on-frontotemporal-dementia-symptoms-and-insights\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is often a puzzling diagnosis for families. Unlike Alzheimer\u2019s disease, which is commonly associated with memory loss in the elderly, FTD\u00a0frequently\u00a0strikes younger individuals and\u00a0manifests through\u00a0changes in personality, behavior, or language. If you are seeking answers, understanding the\u00a0<\/span>risk factors of frontotemporal dementia\u00a0is the first step toward clarity. While the exact triggers can be complex, knowing the primary\u00a0causes\u00a0of frontotemporal dementia\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">helps you navigate the condition more effectively. This guide breaks down the essential information you need to understand why FTD happens and who is most at risk.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit the best\u00a0<\/span><\/i><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mental Health Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health &amp; Wellness\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">or log on to<\/span><\/i><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">www.doralhw.org.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to\u00a0know more.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Are the Main Frontotemporal Dementia Causes?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To understand FTD, you must look at what happens inside the brain. The condition gets its name from the areas it affects: the frontal and temporal lobes. These regions control personality, behavior, and language.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Abnormal Protein Accumulation<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The primary\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">causes of<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">frontotemporal dementia\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">are related to the buildup of abnormal proteins within brain cells. These proteins clump together and eventually cause neurons to die. This leads to the shrinkage, or atrophy, of the affected lobes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tau Protein:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0This is the same protein found in Alzheimer\u2019s, but it accumulates differently in FTD.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">TDP-43 Protein:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0A different protein that is also linked to ALS (Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">FUS Protein:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0A less common protein found in a small percentage of cases.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Research is still ongoing to\u00a0determine\u00a0exactly why these proteins begin to malfunction and accumulate in some people but not others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Identifying\u00a0the Risk Factors of Frontotemporal Dementia<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Unlike vascular dementia, which can often be linked to lifestyle choices like diet or smoking, the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">risk factors of frontotemporal dementia<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0are\u00a0largely biological. Currently, there are no known environmental factors that significantly increase your risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Genetics and Family History<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The most significant risk factor is your DNA. FTD has a much stronger genetic link than most other types of dementia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Family History:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Approximately 30%\u00a0to 50% of people with FTD have a family history of the disease. If you have a parent or\u00a0sibling\u00a0with the condition, your risk is higher.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Genetic Mutations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0In some cases, specific gene mutations are the direct cause. If a parent carries one of these mutations, there is a 50% chance they will pass it on to their children.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Age of Onset<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Age plays a unique role in FTD compared to other dementias.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Younger Onset:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0While Alzheimer&#8217;s risk increases significantly after age 65, FTD is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 45 and 65.\u00a0It is a leading cause of dementia for people under the age of 60.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">When to Seek Professional Help<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Because FTD often starts with behavioral changes\u2014like apathy, loss of empathy, or compulsive actions\u2014it is\u00a0frequently\u00a0misdiagnosed as a psychiatric issue. This is why consulting a specialist is crucial.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A qualified\u00a0<\/span>psychiatrist\u00a0can help differentiate between a primary mental health disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder, and the early signs of dementia. They play a vital role in the diagnostic team, ensuring that symptoms are not dismissed or mistreated.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For families living in New York, finding specialized care is essential for\u00a0an accurate\u00a0diagnosis. A dedicated\u00a0mental health clinic in Brooklyn, NY,\u00a0can provide access to a multidisciplinary team. These clinics often have the resources to conduct thorough evaluations, including cognitive testing and brain imaging referrals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore,\u00a0the Doral\u00a0Health &amp; Wellness\u00a0Mental Health\u00a0Department\u00a0in Brooklyn, NY,\u00a0can offer ongoing support. Even after a diagnosis is confirmed, managing the behavioral symptoms of FTD requires expert guidance. A\u00a0psychiatrist\u00a0can prescribe medications to help manage agitation or mood swings, improving the quality of life for both the patient and their caregivers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While we cannot yet prevent the condition, understanding the\u00a0causes\u00a0&amp;\u00a0risk factors of frontotemporal dementia<span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0empowers families to seek answers earlier. Recognizing the strong genetic link and the typical age of onset can lead to faster, more\u00a0accurate\u00a0diagnoses. If you notice unexplained personality changes in a loved one, do not wait. Reach out to a professional, such as a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">psychiatrist<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or a team at a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">mental health clinic in Brooklyn, NY<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, to get the support and guidance you need.\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For further inquiries, call us\u00a0on\u00a0+<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">1-<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">718-367-2555<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to get a consultation.<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Or<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0log on to<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">www.doralw.org.<\/span><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with us at\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Worried about FTD? Learn about the risk factors of frontotemporal dementia and the main causes of frontotemporal dementia in this essential guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":44262,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[373],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","post_format-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44261"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44261\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}