The brain is like a map full of routes that guide every aspect of our daily lives. Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia mark different paths on that map, each with significant obstacles, but with different destinations. While Alzheimer’s slowly blocks pathways that lead to memories and orientation, frontotemporal dementia abruptly eliminates those that control personality, language and behavior. Although these diseases may seem similar, the detours they take in the brain make them profoundly different. Understanding these differences not only facilitates a more accurate diagnosis, but also the design of personalized care strategies that significantly improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Neus Falgàs Martínez, neurologist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains that “Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease, that is, it is not linked to healthy aging, but rather it affects neurons, the cells that make up the brain, progressively deteriorating them.” This condition is the main cause of dementia, since, according to Falgàs, “seven out of ten patients with dementia have Alzheimer’s.” The accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain causes neuronal damage long before symptoms appear.
Seven out of ten dementia patients have Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s, which affects around 100,000 people in Catalonia, mainly attacks the areas of the brain responsible for memory, language and carrying out daily tasks. Frequent and progressive forgetfulness is the most characteristic symptom, which gradually deteriorates the patient’s autonomy. According to Raquel Sánchez-Valle, neurologist at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona and leader of the Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders research group, “90% of patients with Alzheimer’s present a progressive loss of recent memory, which prevents them from remembering activities carried out a short time ago. hours or days.” In 10% of cases, the first symptoms may include difficulties finding words, spatial disorientation or executive problems, affecting the ability to solve problems.
Frontotemporal dementia, which affects around 1,000 people in Catalonia, impacts the brain differently. This disease attacks the frontal and temporal lobes, areas responsible for behavior, decisions and language. Unlike Alzheimer’s, the first symptoms are not forgetfulness, but drastic changes in personality, impulsive behaviors and difficulties communicating. These symptoms can lead patients to act in an uninhibited manner or lose the ability to find the right words, significantly altering their daily lives.
All the factors that are good for the heart are good for the brain.
None of these diseases have a cure. Therefore, treatments focus on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Neurologist Neus Falgàs points out that, in the case of Alzheimer’s, there is no curative treatment, but the available medications “try to stabilize cognitive function in the initial and moderate phases of the disease.” The most commonly used drugs are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine because they help slow down cognitive decline. Maintaining healthy habits, such as avoiding smoking and cardiovascular diseases, is crucial for newly diagnosed patients, according to Soledad Barreiro Gigan, a nurse at the Day Hospital for Neurodegenerative Diseases at Clínic Barcelona.
In the case of frontotemporal dementia, behavioral management is essential, since changes in behavior are involuntary and result from the disease. Speech therapy is essential for those who face communication difficulties. Additionally, antidepressants and antipsychotics are prescribed to address emotional symptoms such as aggression or apathy.
Understanding these diseases and applying a patient-centered approach can make a big difference.
The emotional impact of these diseases not only affects patients, but also their families. In the case of Alzheimer’s, memory deterioration and disorientation generate frustration, as the loved one progressively loses his or her identity. In contrast, in frontotemporal dementia, family members must adapt to living with a person whose behavior and personality have changed dramatically, which can be disconcerting.
Despite the lack of cure, there are ways to improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Raquel Sánchez-Valle highlights that “all the factors that are good for the heart are good for the brain,” which underlines the importance of leading a healthy life. Keeping the body and mind active, as well as avoiding cardiovascular risk factors, are key strategies to slow the progression of these diseases. Incorporating daily activities, such as walking or doing household chores, can be beneficial, as Soledad Barreiro suggests.
Both Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia are different paths to the loss of cognitive abilities, but both have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones. Knowing their differences and personalizing treatment is crucial to improving quality of life. Neus Falgàs highlights that “understanding these diseases and applying an approach focused on the patient’s needs can make a big difference.” Empathy, support and information become essential tools to face the challenges that these diseases present.
#Alzheimers #frontotemporal #dementia #paths #cognitive #loss
