Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of degenerative brain disorders causing progressive deterioration in behavior, language, and/or movement. There are presently approximately 60,000 people with FTD in the United States. Onset generally occurs between 50 and 70 years of age, making FTD one of the most common presenile dementias. FTD affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control emotions, judgment, personality, memory and language. The clinical diagnosis of FTD can be challenging, as some symptoms overlap with Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia. FTD can be categorized based on its primary symptoms into three basic types: behavioral variant FTD, primary progressive aphasia, and progressive motor decline. Although most FTD does not appear to be inherited, genetics does play a role in a significant minority of cases. There is no effective treatment or cure for FTD, but there are strategies for management of symptoms. This course will discuss the possible causes and pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies for FTD.

Understanding the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnostic process, genetics, symptom treatment/management, role of brain autopsy, and current research provides a foundation for the care of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and support for their families. The purpose of this course is to provide mental health professionals with current information on FTD. 

76102

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Describe the epidemiology of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in the United States.
  2. Explain the brain changes of FTD and their general clinical manifestations.
  3. Identify the three general presentations of FTD.
  4. Review how a clinical diagnosis of FTD is made, including differentiation from Alzheimer disease.
  5. Summarize the role of genetics in FTD.
  6. Discuss strategies for managing symptoms of FTD and providing support to family caregivers.
  7. Identify goals of current research on FTD.

Additional Information

Partner: 
NetCE
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.00 Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Course opens: 
11/01/2021
Course expires: 
10/31/2024
Cost:
$15.00
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 2.00 Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

Price

Cost:
$15.00
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This course is offered through NetCE.

To take this course you will be redirected to NetCE website. You must login or create an account with NetCE in order to complete this activity. 

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