FTD differs from Alzheimer’s and other dementias that usually occur with old age. Finger, an associate professor in clinical neurological sciences at Western University, spoke to National Post’s Sharon Kirkey about the disorder afflicting Willis, and explained what is — and isn’t.It’s not one, but a collection of disorders.
Just as the name indicates, FTD tends to be most severe in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It can start on one side, or the other, but, over time, the disease tends to affect both sides of the brain.Article content Some of the most common symptoms with the behavioural type of FTD include disinhibition and apathy, sometimes new repetitive, compulsive behaviours. One woman in her 50s began drinking so much water, her family had to shut off the main water valve. A man in his early 40s who owned several food franchises became obsessive about counting objects. He kept repeating the same phrase over an over again: “It’s good to be alive.