When a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia, it can be overwhelming for everyone and lead to a flurry of questions.
But remember—you are not alone on this journey.
Kensington Senior Living is here to guide you every step of the way.
We’ve put together a resource guide to help you and your family understand the prognosis of frontotemporal dementia, explore care options, and find a supportive community that respects your loved one’s unique needs.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia is a complex condition characterized by progressive degeneration of cells in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes.
This subtle yet significant change affects behavior, personality, and language capabilities. Symptoms often surface around the age of 40 to 45 but can also appear as late as 65 years.
Tell-tale signs include noticeable shifts in behavior like lack of empathy, increasing social withdrawal, and compulsive behavior.
More nuanced indications might encompass difficulties with language, such as trouble speaking or understanding words.
Well known actor, Bruce Willis, who has been suffering from aphasia, recently released a statement that noted his condition has progressed to a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
It’s important to remember that every individual’s journey with frontotemporal dementia is unique, with varying symptoms and progression rates.
Steps for caregivers
Begin by educating yourself about the disease.
To understand the changes in behavior, language, and personality that come with frontotemporal dementia, look to Kensington Senior Living for answers and resources.
Look for these signs in your loved one and note any changes over time. This information will be valuable when discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals.
How is frontotemporal dementia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia is a compassionate collaboration between medical professionals and loved ones and involves advanced diagnostic tools.
Doctors begin with an empathetic review of personal medical history, supplementing it with cognitive and neurological assessments that help understand memory and concentration capacities.
Doctors diagnose frontotemporal dementia through a careful examination of medical history and a range of tests:
- Cognitive and neurological evaluations: These assessments help understand the individual’s memory, concentration, and overall neurological health.
- Imaging tests: Tools such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans provide visual insights into the brain, helping identify abnormalities in the frontal and temporal lobes.
Early detection is vital for planning a personalized care approach that addresses your loved one’s unique needs.
Steps for caregivers:
If you notice any signs of frontotemporal dementia, schedule a consultation with a neurologist or geriatrician.
They will perform cognitive and neurological evaluations and may order imaging tests to determine the diagnosis. Keep all medical records and test results organized for easy access.
What is the prognosis of frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia progresses gradually, with symptoms becoming more pronounced over time.
However, with the right care, people living with this condition can continue to experience moments of joy, shared strength, and connection.
Steps for caregivers:
Discuss the prognosis with your healthcare provider. Understand that this condition is a gradual journey with a varying pace for everyone.
Regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor progression and adapt the care plan as needed.
Exploring memory care options: The benefits of memory care communities
Transitioning a loved one into a memory care community can be a profoundly positive change.
These communities are run by dedicated professionals who ensure the everyday needs of residents are meticulously attended to.
This transition relieves family members from the exhaustive duties of caregiving, paving the way for quality time spent together—time to laugh, reminisce, and enjoy each other’s company.
That can happen all while knowing your loved one is in compassionate and skilled hands.
Memory care communities offer a range of benefits for individuals living with frontotemporal dementia:
- Designed for Safety: The environment is specifically created to address the needs of individuals with dementia, ensuring their safety and comfort.
- Fosters Independence: While care is always available, the setup encourages residents to maintain their independence as much as possible.
- Community Support: The sense of community can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve overall quality of life.
At Kensington Senior Living, we help in the effort of building friendships with other families, residents, and caregivers.
Our KSL extended family is here to provide expert advice from our team and additional resources during our in-person and virtual support groups, to provide an overall extended network of loving people to lean on.
Steps for caregivers
Start researching memory care communities early and involve your loved one in the conversation as much as possible.
Look for a community that emphasizes resident safety and security, and offers life enrichment and socialization opportunities.
Discuss with other family members as needed that these communities offer safe, nurturing environments designed to cater to the needs of your loved one.
Finding a Kensington Senior Living memory care program near you
Kensington Senior Living is proud to provide premier memory care programs at various locations across the United States.
Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual’s journey, we have crafted two specialized neighborhoods within all of our communities: Connections and Haven. Our Reston, VA, Sierra Madre, CA, and Kensington, MD, locations even offer Kensington Club, specifically designed for those in the early stages of memory loss.
Connections, designed for those in the early to mid-stages of memory loss, offers an enhanced level of supervision while maintaining a comfortable and homely environment. Here, residents can thrive and engage meaningfully while benefiting from our support.
Connections unique life enrichment programming and pocket programming for one-on-one activities provide lots of sensory focus, movement, hands-on activities, outings and scenic drives, and other ways to engage the brain and slow down memory loss.
For those in mid-to-advanced stages, Haven provides an elevated level of care, ensuring the highest safety standards and utmost personal attention. Within Haven, your loved ones are not only well-cared for but are also enveloped in a warm, nurturing atmosphere. This neighborhood is a true haven, where your loved one feels the comfort of home and the love of their Kensington Family
Kensington Senior Living’s locations
At Kensington Senior Living, we keep your loved ones safe, content, and closely cared for, allowing you the peace of mind to cherish your quality time together without caregiving duties.
Our memory care communities are located in:
West Coast
- The Kensington Redondo Beach, California
- Kensington Place Redwood City, California
- The Kensington Sierra Madre, California, also includes “The Kensington Club,” our early-stage memory care program for new and current residents.
East Coast
- The Kensington Reston, Virginia, also includes “The Kensington Club,” our early-stage memory care program for new and current residents.
- The Kensington Falls Church, Virginia
- The Kensington White Plains, New York
- Kensington Park Senior Living, Kensington, Maryland, also includes “The Kensington Club,”
Steps for caregivers
Review the various Kensington Senior Living locations across America. Arrange a visit to the one closest to you or explore options that best suit your loved one’s needs and preferences.
From Redondo Beach, CA, to White Plains, NY—our communities are designed to provide warmth, compassionate care, and a thriving social environment.
All Kensington Senior Living communities are connected through a shared commitment to Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Reach out to Kensington Senior Living to learn more about the communities near you
At Kensington Senior Living, we do everything to live Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own. That means no resident or their family has to experience their condition on their own.
It takes a village and ours is here for yours.
By partnering with us, you’ll join a community that values compassion, quality of life, and personalized care for every resident.
Let us guide you on this journey, providing the care and support you need every step of the way.
Reach out to our team for any questions about our communities or for caregiver support. We’re ready to listen and eager to help.