EPISODE · Apr 7, 2026 · 34 MIN
Early Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) + Misdiagnosis Story
from This is Your Brain on Mom · host Aflalo Communications Inc.
What are the early signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)—and how do you know it’s not just “personality changes”? In this episode, we’re joined by Beth, host of FTD Navigating the Crap, who shares what it really looked like before her mom’s diagnosis. Not memory loss—but subtle, shocking shifts in behavior. Comments that felt out of character. A tone that didn’t match the woman she had always known. Beth opens up about those early red flags, the confusion of a possible Alzheimer’s misdiagnosis, and the emotional reality of learning it was actually FTD—a completely different form of dementia. We also talk about how quickly things progressed—from personality changes to becoming non-verbal and fully dependent—and what it means to navigate that as an only child. And then there’s the part no one prepares you for:being diagnosed… and then sent home with no support. We talk about: Early FTD symptoms (personality + behavioral changes, not memory) Real examples of out-of-character remarks and why they matter Alzheimer’s vs FTD misdiagnosis Rapid progression and late-stage care realities The loneliness of caregiving—especially during the pandemic The global gap in post-diagnosis support for families If you’ve ever thought, “this isn’t my mom”—but couldn’t explain why—this episode will hit home. 🎧 Raw, honest, and deeply validating for anyone navigating dementia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
What are the early signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)—and how do you know it’s not just “personality changes”? In this episode, we’re joined by Beth, host of FTD Navigating the Crap, who shares what it really looked like before her mom’s diagnosis. Not memory loss—but subtle, shocking shifts in behavior. Comments that felt out of character. A tone that didn’t match the woman she had always known. Beth opens up about those early red flags, the confusion of a possible Alzheimer’s misdiagnosis, and the emotional reality of learning it was actually FTD—a completely different form of dementia. We also talk about how quickly things progressed—from personality changes to becoming non-verbal and fully dependent—and what it means to navigate that as an only child. And then there’s the part no one prepares you for:being diagnosed… and then sent home with no support. We talk about: Early FTD symptoms (personality + behavioral changes, not memory) Real examples of out-of-character remarks and why they matter Alzheimer’s vs FTD misdiagnosis Rapid progression and late-stage care realities The loneliness of caregiving—especially during the pandemic The global gap in post-diagnosis support for families If you’ve ever thought, “this isn’t my mom”—but couldn’t explain why—this episode will hit home. 🎧 Raw, honest, and deeply validating for anyone navigating dementia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Early Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) + Misdiagnosis Story
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