Living with Semantic dementia
A form of frontotemporal dementia in which people gradually lose the meaning of words and objects, with behavior changes.
Understanding Semantic dementia
It causes difficulty finding words, trouble understanding word meanings, and trouble recognizing objects. It can also affect reading and writing and cause behavior changes. It is due to degeneration of the front parts of the temporal lobes of the brain. It starts in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Difficulty finding words
- Trouble understanding word meanings
- Not recognizing objects (visual agnosia)
- Reading and writing difficulties
- Loss of drive (abulia)
- Dementia
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in PSEN1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National Aphasia Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National Aphasia Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Aphasia Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD lists the PSEN1 gene. It does not list an inheritance pattern.
Also known as: dementia, frontotemporal; semantic primary progressive aphasia; semantic variant ppa; trouble remembering words
Patient organizations
- National Aphasia AssociationSemantic dementia · United States
- Aphasia Center of MaineSemantic dementia · United States
- Cure MAPT FTDSemantic dementia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Semantic dementia.
Explore research for Semantic dementia
Explore actively recruiting Semantic dementia studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Semantic dementia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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