Last updated: January 2026
Quick answer
Early warning signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) often manifest as changes in personality, behavior, or language, rather than memory loss. Recognizing these symptoms early helps families plan care, protect safety, and know when specialized memory care may be needed for an aging adult.
When a loved one begins acting “out of character,” families often feel unsettled but unsure why.
A once-patient spouse becomes impulsive. A thoughtful parent loses empathy. A professional communicator struggles to find words. These changes may be more than stress or aging. They can be early warning signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
FTD is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which usually begins with memory loss, frontotemporal dementia often starts with behavior or language changes.
Understanding these differences empowers families to act sooner and seek appropriate support.
What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia is a group of neurodegenerative conditions that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are responsible for personality, decision-making, behavior, and language.
While FTD is commonly diagnosed in adults under 65, it can also affect older adults. Because memory may remain relatively intact early on, families and even clinicians may overlook FTD. Yet the disease progresses, and symptoms become more disruptive over time.
There is no cure, but early recognition allows for better symptom management and thoughtful care planning.
Early Warning Signs Of FTD Families Often Miss
The early warning signs of FTD can be subtle and confusing. They may look like depression, midlife stress, or personality “quirks.” Over time, patterns emerge.
Changes In Personality And Behavior
Behavioral changes are often the earliest and most noticeable signs. A loved one may:
- Lose empathy or concern for others
- Act impulsively or make inappropriate comments
- Show poor judgment or risky decision-making
- Develop compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions or excessive spending
- Appear emotionally flat, apathetic, or withdrawn
These shifts can be deeply distressing for families, especially when the aging adult seems unaware of their impact.
Loss Of Social Awareness
People with FTD may struggle with social norms. They might interrupt conversations, ignore personal boundaries, or behave in ways that feel embarrassing or alarming.
This is not intentional; it reflects changes in the brain regions that regulate inhibition and social behavior.
Language Difficulties
Another group of early warning signs of FTD involves communication. Language-related symptoms may include:
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Trouble understanding spoken or written language
- Using vague or incorrect words
- Speaking less or struggling to follow conversations
In some cases, language decline is the primary symptom, a condition known as primary progressive aphasia.
Executive Function Decline
Executive functions help us plan, organize, and complete tasks. In FTD, families may notice:
- Trouble managing finances or schedules
- Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
- Poor organization and problem-solving
- Reduced ability to multitask
These challenges often interfere with work, household responsibilities, and independence.
Changes In Eating Habits
Eating behaviors frequently change in frontotemporal dementia. Warning signs include:
- Overeating or binge eating
- Strong cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
- Loss of table manners
- Difficulty swallowing in later stages
These symptoms can affect nutrition, safety, and overall health.
Motor And Physical Changes
Some individuals with FTD experience physical symptoms, such as:
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Balance issues or frequent falls
- Slower movements or coordination difficulties
These changes may overlap with other neurological conditions, further complicating diagnosis.
Why FTD Is Often Misdiagnosed
FTD shares symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and psychiatric conditions.
Because memory loss is not always prominent early, families may be told “everything looks normal” despite clear changes. Accurate diagnosis typically requires evaluation by a neurologist, cognitive testing, and brain imaging.
Early diagnosis matters because it helps families avoid medications that may worsen symptoms and begin appropriate care planning.
Coping With A Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis
Receiving an FTD diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Families often grieve the changes they see as they try to plan for an uncertain future.
Helpful strategies include:
- Educating yourself about frontotemporal dementia and its progression
- Establishing consistent routines to reduce confusion
- Simplifying tasks and expectations
- Using visual cues and reminders
- Seeking caregiver support groups and counseling
Caregivers must also prioritize their own well-being. Burnout is common, especially as behavioral symptoms intensify.
When Home Care Is No Longer Enough
In the early stages, some individuals with FTD can remain at home with support. Over time, increasing behavioral changes, safety concerns, and caregiver strain may make this difficult.
Signs it may be time to consider memory care include:
- Unsafe behaviors or wandering
- Inability to manage daily activities
- Escalating impulsivity or aggression
- Swallowing difficulties or frequent falls
- Caregiver exhaustion or health decline
Specialized memory care provides structured routines, trained team members, and environments designed to reduce distress and promote dignity.
How The Kensington Redondo Beach Supports Families Facing FTD
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, families find compassionate support for complex dementias, including frontotemporal dementia.
Care is designed to evolve as needs change, allowing aging adults to age in place with appropriate levels of supervision and engagement.
Memory care neighborhoods provide:
- Dementia-trained team members available around the clock
- Structured daily routines tailored to behavioral and language needs
- Secure, calming environments
- Personalized care plans that adapt as FTD progresses
- Ongoing family education and communication
Families are never expected to navigate this journey alone.
Taking The Next Step With Confidence
If you are noticing early warning signs of FTD in someone you love, trust your instincts. Behavioral and language changes are not “just personality.”
Early evaluation and support can make a meaningful difference in safety, comfort, and quality of life.
Learn more about memory care options or speak with a care advisor by reaching out to The Kensington Redondo Beach. A conversation today can bring clarity and peace of mind for tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions: Early Warning Signs Of FTD
Early warning signs of FTD often include personality changes, loss of empathy, impulsive behavior, and language difficulties rather than memory loss.
FTD typically begins with behavior or language changes, while Alzheimer’s most often starts with memory impairment.
FTD commonly begins between ages 40 and 65 but can also affect older adults.
There is no cure for FTD, but therapies and supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Memory care is often appropriate when safety risks increase, daily functioning declines, or caregiver stress becomes overwhelming.