Understanding Fronto-Temporal Dementia and its Management in Ayurvedic Perspective—A Case Report

Introduction: Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) denotes a category of neurodegenerative disorders that is characterized by deficits in personality, behavior, and language due to the atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is a chief cause of early-onset dementia and a rapidly progressing condition. The following is a diagnosed case of early-onset FTD, and this paper aims to understand the possible cause and the probable ayurvedic method of management. Methods: A 38-year-old female presenting with apathy, apraxia, anger outbursts, agitation, impaired memory, and telegraphic speech with delayed comprehension and response over the last six months presented to Manasaroga OPD with a diagnosis of FTD. A PET MRI brain scan revealed reduced cortical perfusion in the left anterior temporal region. Significant obstetric history was noted along with psychological stress. A 15-day treatment protocol consisting of matrabasti, shiro mardana, anna lepa, kavala, and medhasukta chanting along with modified ayurvedic dietetics was administered. Results and Follow-up: The patient's MMSE score improved from 25 to 30. Clinically, she showed enhanced memory, vocabulary, response time, emotional stability, and reduced apraxia. Regular follow-ups were done for a period of 3 months. Discussion: The nidana points towards vataativruddhi, its pratilomagati, and Kaphakshaya, as seen in many of the degenerative conditions, impacting the manas and mastishka. The planned ayurvedic chikitsa is focused on bringing the prakupitavata down and also on restoring the ksheenita kapha by administering the treatment procedures that are medhya, vatahara, snigdha, and balya in nature. Medha Sukta chanting supported cognitive and speech recovery. Conclusion: Progressive and degenerative conditions like FTD, which have a very limited scope of management in the contemporary field, can be managed with a structured ayurvedic treatment protocol. This paper aims to unlock the potential treatment modalities that can be implemented in clinical practice.