APA Dictionary of Psychology

a clinical syndrome associated with shrinking of the frontal and temporal anterior lobes of the brain. Originally known as Pick’s disease, the current designation of the syndrome groups together Pick’s disease, primary progressive aphasia, and semantic dementia. The symptoms of FTD fall into two patterns. One involves impaired ability to modify one’s social behavior; symptoms include a lack of inhibition, repetitive or compulsive behaviors, and a lack of concern about one’s personal appearance and hygiene. The second pattern primarily features symptoms of language disturbance (e.g., difficulty speaking or comprehending speech), often together with the behavioral type’s symptoms. There is a strong genetic component to the disease, which often runs in families.