Frontotemporal lobe diseases (FTLD) encompass a group of neurodegenerative conditions that affect the frontal and temporal regions of the brain, crucial for cognitive and behavioral functioning. These diseases can manifest in different ways, including behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (cFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA), each with distinct clinical characteristics (Kurz et al., 2014).
In vFTD, behavioral and personality changes are prominent, with loss of interest in daily and social activities, disinhibition and compulsive behaviors (Lillo & Leyton, 2016). In PPA, language is the main affected domain, with progressive difficulties in speaking, understanding and naming (Lillo & Leyton, 2016).
FTLDs can also impact learning, due to the degeneration of brain areas responsible for executive functions, such as working memory, attention and cognitive flexibility (Carvalho et al., 2023). Atrophy in these regions can lead to difficulties in acquiring, retaining and applying new knowledge, in addition to compromising the ability to adapt to new situations.
Early diagnosis and adequate management of FTLDs are essential to minimize the impact of these diseases on the quality of life of patients and their families. Multidisciplinary intervention, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, can help control symptoms and maintain the autonomy and well-being of affected individuals.
Reference :
CARVALHO, LFC et al. Frontotemporal lobe diseases: learning difficulties. Notebooks of Education and Development, v. 15, no. 4, p. 3872-3886, 2023.
KURZ, A. et al. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: current perspectives. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, vol. 10, p. 297-310, 2014.
LILLO, P.; LEYTON, C. Frontotemporal dementia, how its diagnosis has resurfaced. Las Condes Clinical Medical Magazine, v. 27, no. 3, p. 309-318, 2016.
