Understanding the terminology and types of FTD can be confusing, especially if you do not know which type you are facing, but AFTD resources can provide clarity. FTD is frequently referred to as frontotemporal degeneration, frontotemporal dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or Pick’s disease. FTD represents a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain.

The types of FTD include:

Although there are multiple types of FTD, many people are given a diagnosis of FTD without a type specified. In many cases, this can refer to bvFTD, which is the most common type and accounts for about 50% of cases of FTD. In some cases, the term “Pick’s disease” is used to refer to bvFTD as well. The specific type of FTD is often diagnosed in part based on the initial category of symptoms that the person presents with, such as executive function and social behavior, language and communication, or muscle and body control. However, as the degeneration progresses, symptoms will impact other categories of functioning that overlap with the other types of FTD. Each person with FTD experiences this progression at a highly variable sequence and pace.

There are also times when a type of FTD may not be specified when the person is further in the progression when they are initially diagnosed and they are experiencing symptoms in multiple categories, or advanced testing is not feasible. A diagnosis of a specific type of FTD is often made when a person is evaluated and diagnosed at a medical and research center with specialists in FTD. In some cases, a specialist may be able to further refine a specific type of FTD over time.