Overview
A healthcare provider, usually a neurologist, can diagnose FTD based on your medical history and a physical and neurological examination (where a healthcare provider looks for signs and symptoms of a problem). Some lab tests are also possible, and imaging tests are important because they can show areas of your brain where deterioration is happening.
In addition to neurological examinations, healthcare providers will often have you do a neurocognitive assessment. In this test, you’ll do tasks or answer questions. Based on how you do on the test, providers can identify whether or not you have problems in certain areas of your brain, which can help narrow down (or rule out) whether or not you have FTD.
What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?
The most likely tests for FTD include:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
- Blood tests.
- Electroencephalography (less common).
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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