Pharmacological review

There are no medications available to cure or delay the progression of FTD, but there are a number of medications available for symptomatic relief. Medical management includes treatment of concomitant medical conditions including infections, parkinsonian symptoms, seizures, pain and improving nutritional status. It is imperative to review all medications that the patient is taking. This includes prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, social drugs (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol) and/or alternative products (e.g., herbals, vitamin or minerals). A number of medications can exacerbate behaviors or cognitive problems (e.g., stimulants, depressants, some anti-epileptic medications), so any unnecessary drug should be discontinued. All medications the patient is taking should be fully reassessed for optimal response at the dose prescribed and the patient should only be on necessary medication that are effective in treating underlying conditions.