To schedule an appointment, call 717-531-4191

For more information call, 717-531-1039

Frontotemporal

Dementia

Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic

The Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic is part of

Penn State Hershey Neuroscience Institute at Penn State

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. We specialize in the

diagnosis, treatment, and study of patients with memory

and cognition disorders.

Paul Eslinger, Ph.D.,

Neuropsychologist

Claire Flaherty-Craig, Ph.D.,

Neuropsychologist

David Gill, M.D.,

Cognitive and Behavioral

Neurologist

Mark Allshouse, B.A.,

Support Group Facilitator

Services Provided • Comprehensive diagnostic neurological evaluation

• Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation

• Close collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association and

other community organizations

• State-of-the-art, on-site brain MRI and CT facilities

• On-site laboratory and pharmacy

• On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapists

• Community referral for psychosocial support for patients

and caregivers

• Follow-up care for optimal management of memory and

cognitive concerns

• Frontotemporal Dementia Caregivers Support Group

30 Hope Drive

Entrance B

Hershey, PA 17033

Other Symptoms of FTD Behavioral symptoms often include

hyperactive behavior, lack of personal

hygiene, change in eating habits, impulsive

spending, shoplifting, and others.

Emotional symptoms include apathy,

emotional blunting, mood changes, and

lack of insight. Cognitive symptoms may

include poor financial judgment, impaired

planning and problem solving ability,

distractibility, and inflexibility.

Diagnosis and Prognosis Frontotemporal dementia is often

misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease,

Parkinsons, or a psychiatric disorder.

However, expert medical personnel, utilizing

a complete medical history, a full

neurological exam, and neuroimaging, will

be able to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

FTD is a progressive disease for which there

is, at this time, no cure. Some patients may

benefit from certain drug therapies which

should be discussed with a physician. It is

important that caregivers plan for long-term

care of the FTD patient and that they seek

the assistance of medical specialists. Legal

and financial planning, including power of

attorney, is also important.

Second only to Alzheimer’s disease in

prevalence, frontotemporal dementia

(FTD) accounts for up to 20% of

dementia cases in patients under 65

years of age. Frontotemporal dementia

is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric

problem or as Alzheimer's disease.

However, FTD tends to occur at a

younger age than does Alzheimer's

disease, typically between the ages of

40 and 70.

While some symptoms of FTD are

similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s

patients, lack of insight and socially

difficult behavioral problems are

common symptoms of FTD not usually

found in Alzheimer’s patients. Executive

functions, such as attention, planning,

and problem solving, are commonly

affected early on. However, memory

remains largely intact and is only

affected late in the progression of the

disease. Prominent symptoms of FTD

include language abnormalities,

emotional deficits, and disinhibition.

Contact Mark Allshouse, B.A. at

717-586-8351 or via email at

mea171@psu.edu for more information

about joining our Frontotemporal

Dementia Caregiver Support Group.

What is Frontotemporal

Dementia?

Caregiver Support Group Providing care for a loved one with

frontotemporal dementia can be difficult

and stressful, especially due to the

profound changes in personality and

frequent behavioral problems. A

supportive and friendly group of people,

who share the same concerns with regard

to coping with this difficult disease, can

reduce much of that stress.

The purpose of The Frontotemporal De-

mentia Caregivers Support Group is to

provide a safe place to discuss the

challenges of providing care to a loved

one suffering from frontotemporal

dementia. Educational materials and

introduction to community resources will

also be made available to members.

The support group meets on the third

Thursday of each month, from 6:00 to

8:00 pm, at 30 Hope Dr., entrance B,

room 1019.