Risk factors
Frontotemporal dementia
In this section:
Risk factors of frontotemporal dementia
Although some people with frontotemporal dementia have a family history of the condition, around seven in every 10 cases of FTD do not have a genetic basis.
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Does frontotemporal dementia run in the family?
Directly inherited dementia is rare, but in around three in every 10 people with FTD a strong family history of the condition is known.
In these cases the cause is likely to be genetic. This is known as familial frontotemporal dementia.
For behavioural variant FTD, which mainly affects emotion and personality, around one in every two people with the disease could have a family history.
It’s less likely for other forms of FTD to run in the family.
Which genes are linked to FTD?
Research has found a number of faulty genes that can cause inherited forms of FTD.
Faulty genes are passed directly from a person who is affected by a condition like familial FTD to their children. The child then has a 50% (one in two) chance of inheriting the gene.
If your doctor suspects a strong family history, you and other family members may be offered genetic testing to see if you carry the gene too.
If you think this applies to your circumstances, you can speak to your doctor about you family history.
Can I reduce my risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)?
In cases where there is no family history, the risk factors for frontotemporal dementia are not yet fully understood.
Because FTD is a rarer type of dementia it is harder for researchers to study how risk factors develop over time to cause it.
We do know that there are steps we can all take to improve our brain health, which may reduce the risk of dementia, including non-genetic FTD.
For a healthy brain:
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Ask your doctor to check your heart health, including blood pressure and cholesterol and follow their advice if they are too high.
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Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
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Keep using your brain - through activities or social groups you enjoy.
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Don't smoke.
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If you have Type 2 diabetes, keep to your doctor's advice.
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Stay connected to the world and people around you.
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Stay active and try not to spend too long sitting down.
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Drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week.
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Keep your weight healthy.
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Get your hearing and eyesight checked regularly and follow any treatment if prescribed.
Downloads
Dementia information
The information in this booklet is for anyone who wants to
know more about frontotemporal dementia, also known
as FTD. This includes people living with FTD, their carers,
families and friends.
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PDF, 1,418 KB, 13 pages
Order health information
Alzheimer's Research UK has a wide range of information about dementia. Order booklets or download them from our online form.
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This information was updated in January 2026 and is due for review in January 2028. It was written by Alzheimer's Research UK's Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you'd like a referenced copy.
This information is produced with support from The Perfume Shop who had no input into the content.
