Can you tell me are the stages different for a person with FTD versus ALZ?
My spouse was diagnosed with moderate progressive degenerative dementia (by several docs), our second opinion doctor says it is definitely not ALZ but FTD. When I look at the stages of ALZ it seems that he is probably in stage 5 because of the type of symptoms I am seeing, but because the physician says it is not ALZ but FTD how do I know what stage he could be in?
Also how can one physician say that at this point the FTD patient cannot return to work , but another physician says he can if someone is watching him? I am really not clear on the difference of opinions.

FTD is something that I dont have personal experience with , however Johanna C has gone through a good deal with her mom and FTD if you do a search on the caregivers forum with her name and FTD this may give you a better idea of where things stand. Johanna said that her mom remained in the here and now for a very long time, but had false beliefs and rigid delusions that impaired her moms judgement without causing the obvious confusion that alz has caused my mom. I have brought a couple of these threads to the top in the caregivers forum. Hopefully the careconsultant will have some more orgainized references for you.

Dear Angelb,

I am glad you have found the Alzheimer’s Association Online Community, but I am sorry for what has brought you here. It looks like vjh has offered some helpful information here and in the Caregiver’s Forum.

In early stages of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) the memory is not affected, instead there are changes in the part of the brain which controls personality, reasoning, the ability to concentrate, and social skills. Usually in the first two years memory, language and visual perception are not affected. There are many differences between Alzheimer’s and FTD. For example, your husband may have difficulty regulating his emotions, and he may be very impulsive. It is likely with FTD your husband will also exhibit a loss of social inhibitions. The stages are going to be different from Alzheimer’s disease, as the symptoms are different. In the later parts of Alzheimer’s disease the symptoms resemble FTD and in the later stages of the FTD symptoms will take on more of the qualities of Alzheimer’s disease. Visit this website to learn more about FTD, also known as Picks Disease http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm.

It must be confusing to have two doctors offering you differing advice and opinions. In order to better understand what your spouse can and cannot do, I would suggest asking both doctors clarifying questions, like “What makes you say he can still work?” or “Why do you believe that he should not return to work?” Get to know what limitations your husband has that may affect his work. Keep in mind there are disability benefits your family will qualify for if your husband stops working. You may want to consult a professional to assist you in legal and financial planning for the future. Your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter will be able to offer you assistance with this. To find your local chapter go to http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp.

Thank you for participating in the Alzheimer’s Associations Online Community. If you have any other questions feel free to contact our 24 hour help line at 800.272.3900 and speak with a Care Consultant directly.

Sincerely,

Jaimie E.

Alzheimer’s Association
Care Consultant