Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Frontotemporal dementia can't be cured. There is no effective way to slow its progression. Treatment involves managing the symptoms.


Antidepressants. Some types of antidepressants, such as trazodone (Oleptro), may reduce the behavioral problems associated with frontotemporal dementia.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — such as sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) or fluvoxamine (Luvox) — also have been effective in some people, although study results have been mixed.

Antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel), are sometimes used to combat the behavioral problems of frontotemporal dementia. However, side effects include an increased risk of mortality in older people.


People experiencing language difficulties may benefit from speech therapy to learn alternate strategies for communication.

Aug. 05, 2014