Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment

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There is currently no cure or specific treatment for frontotemporal dementia. Treatments for Alzheimer's disease have not been shown to be effective in frontotemporal dementia. However, there are treatments, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that can help to control symptoms of the disease.

Older person talking angrily to a young person

Managing behaviours. The behaviour of patients with frontotemporal dementia can be difficult for caregivers to manage, and at times it can even lead to frustration. Carergivers may feel that the patient is no longer ‘the person they used to know’. However, it is important to understand that these behaviours are caused by the disease, and the patient should not be blamed. Arguing with the patient or scolding them for their behaviour does not work, as the patient cannot control it.

In order to deal with the apathy caused by the disease, it is useful to be proactive with the patient. For example, open questions (such as ‘What do you feel like doing today?’) are often more difficult for the patient to answer than questions with limited options (such as ‘Do you want to go shopping or to the cinema?’). Maintaining routines and adapting environments can also be useful when trying to manage compulsive behaviours. It may be helpful to consult an occupational therapist, who can assess the problems resulting from the disease and how to manage them. 

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Two people talking face to face

Speech therapy. In patients with speech and/or language disorders, logopedics or speech therapy with a speech therapist is recommended to maintain and strengthen language skills, and provide specific strategies to maintain and maximize functional communication for as long as possible. For example, in advanced stages of the disease, when verbal communication may be lost, a speech therapist can help with alternative forms of communication such as mobile applications, drawings, etc.

There is currently no pharmacological treatment capable of restoring, stopping or slowing the neurodegenerative process of frontotemporal dementia. However, there are symptomatic treatments that can help to control symptoms of the disease:

Pills with blue and white stripes

Antidepressants. Some types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may help to reduce the behavioural problems associated with frontotemporal dementia.

Pills with green and white stripes

Antipsychotics. Some antipsychotic medications, such as quetiapine, risperidone and olanzapine, may be useful in controlling the behavioural symptoms of the disease. However, these drugs should be used with caution due to their potential adverse effects.

Researchers continue to explore the biological and genetic causes of frontotemporal dementia with the ultimate goal of modifying the course of the disease, in other words, being able to stop or slow down deterioration of the brain. 

There are currently clinical trials with different medications for certain forms of frontotemporal dementia, which aim to demonstrate their therapeutic effects and safety. 

Neuroleptic drugs (quetiapine, risperidone, haloperidol), used to control behavioral and sleep disorders, can also have side effects, especially when administered in high doses over time. The most common side effects are somnolence, followed by rigidity, slower movements, and tremors. Therefore, is important to monitor for their appearance and reduce the dose or even discontinue the drug if necessary.

Substantiated information by:

Núria Montagut Colomer
Sergi Borrego Écija

Published: 6 October 2021
Updated: 28 April 2025

The donations that can be done through this webpage are exclusively for the benefit of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona through Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica and not for BBVA Foundation, entity that collaborates with the project of PortalClínic.

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