What is frontotemporal lobe dementia?

Frontotemporal lobe dementia is a general term that encompasses a wide variety of disorders that affect the frontal and temporal brain lobes, according to Mayo Clinic. The frontal and temporal lobes are associated with language, behavior and personality.

Frontotemporal lobe dementia is categorized by the shrinking or atrophy of the frontal and temporal brain lobes. Symptoms vary based on the affected area of the brain. Frontotemporal lobe dementia is commonly misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease or a psychiatric issue. Frontotemporal lobe dementia typically occurs in individuals ages 40 to 75, which is younger than the average Alzheimer's patient, according to Mayo Clinic.