Beyond Frontotemporal Dementia: Why Awareness Must Include All Types of Dementia

When actor Bruce Willis shared his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the news created an immediate surge in awareness. Suddenly, millions of people were Googling “FTD symptoms” and “what is frontotemporal dementia?” Families affected by the disease felt seen, and healthcare providers welcomed the opportunity to educate the public about a condition that is often misunderstood.

This visibility is invaluable. FTD deserves recognition, funding, and compassionate care. But here’s the dilemma: what about all the other types of dementia?

Dementia Is Not One Disease

For caregivers and clinicians, it is essential to remember that dementia is a syndrome, not a single diagnosis. The umbrella term “dementia” includes several conditions, each with unique causes, symptoms, and progression:

• Alzheimer’s disease – The most common type of dementia, often beginning with short-term memory loss and gradually progressing to global cognitive decline.

• Lewy body dementia – Characterized by fluctuating attention, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and Parkinsonian movement symptoms.

• Vascular dementia – Caused by strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain, often leading to a “stepwise” decline.

• Mixed dementia – A combination of conditions (such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia), which complicates diagnosis and treatment.

• Rare dementias – Including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington’s disease, and others, each bringing its own challenges.

While frontotemporal dementia is now in the spotlight, families across the world are struggling with these other diagnoses—often with far less recognition, resources, or community awareness.

Why Dementia Awareness Needs to Be Broader

Stories like Bruce Willis’ matter. They humanize a diagnosis, reduce stigma, and inspire empathy. Awareness also drives research funding, early diagnosis, and better caregiver support.

But a narrow focus risks leaving other families in the shadows. Alzheimer’s caregivers still face isolation and burnout. Those caring for loved ones with Lewy body dementia often struggle with unpredictable behaviors and hallucinations. Vascular dementia caregivers may feel overlooked in conversations dominated by Alzheimer’s.

As clinicians, we have a responsibility to:

• Educate patients, families, and communities about the full spectrum of dementia disorders.

• Advocate for equitable research funding and resources across all dementia types.

• Individualize dementia care, recognizing that each diagnosis—and each person—is unique.

As caregivers, this is a reminder that your story matters, no matter what form of dementia your loved one is facing.

Moving Forward: A Collective Approach

The dementia community should celebrate the awareness frontotemporal dementia has gained, while also expanding the conversation to include every type of dementia. Each diagnosis deserves visibility. Each caregiver deserves resources and support. Each individual deserves dignity and compassionate care.

Awareness of one dementia is a step forward—but true progress comes when we acknowledge them all.