Could personality changes in a loved one be more than a midlife change? In this episode, we explore frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a less commonly known form of dementia that often begins between ages 45 and 65 and can be mistaken for a “mid-life crisis.” Symptoms may include disinhibition, overspending and other uncharacteristic behaviours.
Ashley Sharma shares her lived experience as a young caregiver supporting her grandmother after an FTD diagnosis, while Dr. Robert Laforce, behavioural neurologist and neuropsychologist (CHU de Québec, Université Laval), explains what FTD is, how it progresses and what families need to watch for.
Together, they unpack early signs, practical steps to caring for someone living with FTD and how brain-healthy behaviours may help support quality of life.
Tune in at defydementia.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can include personality changes, disinhibition, and uncharacteristic behaviours.
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Symptoms often begin between the ages of 45 and 65.
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FTD progresses slowly and may be mistaken for a “mid-life crisis”.
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If you notice personality or behaviour changes in a loved one, consult a healthcare professional.
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People living with FTD may overspend; ensure careful management of finances.
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Even though there is no treatment for FTD, brain-healthy behaviours may slow symptoms.
Ashley Sharma
Ashley Sharma is a 26-year-old social worker from Abbotsford, B.C., where she has lived her entire life. Since the age of seven, she has lived with her maternal grandparents, whom she affectionately calls her Nani (grandma) and Nana (grandpa). At age 20, Ashley unexpectedly stepped into a caregiving role after her Nani was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and began experiencing significant behavioural and cognitive changes. Since then, she has balanced her career with a dedicated part-time caregiving role. Ashley credits her Nani with teaching her the values of resilience, compassion and unconditional love, lessons that continue to guide the care and support she provides each day. Outside of work and caregiving, Ashley enjoys reading and spending time with a good cup of coffee.
Dr. Robert Laforce
Dr. Laforce is a Behavioral Neurologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist at La Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire (CIME), CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada. Following his PhD in neuropsychology in 1998, Dr. Laforce undertook an MD program at Laval University and completed his Neurology Residency in 2011. Subsequently, he pursued a short fellowship at University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley, in Behavioural Neurology with Dr. Bruce Miller and in amyloid imaging with Dr. Gil Rabinovici.
Throughout his career, Dr Laforce has published over 200 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and contributed to several book chapters, including Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disorders by Luca Saba et al.
He has a particular interest in atypical dementias. Dr. Laforce has several ongoing projects, including the development and validation of a new aphasia screening tool and a tool for the early detection of primary progressive aphasias. He is currently the principal site investigator for several national and international projects, including the Genetic Frontotemporal Initiative (GENFI) and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN). He holds a Chair on Primary Progressive Aphasia (app-ffl.ulaval.ca): Chaire de recherche sur les aphasies primaires progressives - Fondation de la famille Lemaire.