There is no cure for frontotemporal dementia. But there are treatments that can help manage some of the symptoms.
Care plan for dementia
Your treatment team will create a care plan. They will assess your health and social care needs.
This is a way of making sure you get the right treatment. Your team will look at areas where you may need help.
They can offer you help to:
- live as independently as possible at home or in a nursing home setting
- make changes to your home to suit your needs
- manage your personal finances
Medicine
Medicines cannot stop frontotemporal dementia getting worse. But for some people, it can help reduce some of the symptoms.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help to control problems.
SSRIs can help with:
- the loss of inhibitions
- overeating
- compulsive behaviours
Antipsychotics
These are sometimes prescribed if SSRIs have not worked. They can help if challenging behaviour is putting the person with dementia or other people at risk of harm.
Daily life
There are many ways to make daily tasks easier for someone with dementia.
These include:
- occupational therapy to identify problem areas in everyday life - such as getting dressed
- speech and language therapy to help improve communication or swallowing problems
- physiotherapy to help with movement
- relaxation techniques - such as massage, and music or dance therapy
- using incontinence products if needed
- social interaction, leisure activities and other activities
Meetings for people affected by dementia - dementiacafe.ie
Assistive technologies
Assistive technologies can help you manage memory difficulties and support your independence and safety. Staff at a 'memory and technology resource room' can help you find products and devices that might suit your needs.
Memory technology resource rooms - understandtogether.ie
End of life and legal issues
If you have been diagnosed with dementia, you should make arrangements for your care.
You may want to consider:
- creating an advance decision - this makes your treatment preferences known in case you're unable to do this in the future
- having a plan for where you want to receive treatment as your condition becomes more advanced
- giving someone enduring power of attorney, enabling them to make decisions about you and your care if you're not able to
Planning for the future - alzheimer.ie
Help and advice for carers
If you care for someone with dementia, there are supports and services available for you.
Caring for someone with dementia - understandtogether.ie
Strategies for managing challenging behaviour
Sometimes it can help to have strategies for managing challenging behaviours.
Some people with dementia who develop unusual behaviours may respond well to:
- distraction techniques
- structured routines
- calming activities such as listening to music
Support services
Find out about support services or dementia advisers in your area.
A dementia adviser - alzheimer.ie
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
