FTD Any signals that the Mood is changing?

Whatdowedonext

My husband has a diagnosis of FTD, but we haven’t seen many symptoms until recently.

For you experts, are you aware of any signals that the FTD patient is experiencing a mood swing? I just observed my DH go from happy, loving to cranky.

I noticed that he was sitting alone in the bedroom, looking at his feet. I wanted to give him privacy, so I went ahead to the kitchen to get breakfast. He didn’t join me for 5 minutes or so, and by then, his face was tight and downcast.

What signs do you see?

GothicGremlin

My sister had FTD and Primary Progressive Aphasia (logopenic), and I saw symptoms from the get go, although some of that was 20/20 hindsight. She had a mood swing even before she was diagnosed at mid-stage 4. The first time it happened was when my brother and I had an argument in front of her - it wasn't serious, but she perceived it that way. The next thing I knew she was practically in tears. I ended the situation right then and there, and as soon as things were calm, it was as if nothing had ever happened. It was weird.

As time went by, her swings and meltdowns became more frequent and more severe. Stress was a big cause, but in the later stages, it wasn't always clear what was causing her stress. Someone looked at her funny, someone didn't like her, she couldn't find a misplaced object - any of these things could trigger a meltdown. And then it would all blow over in an instant. It was like whiplash.

And to be honest, I wouldn't always get a lot of signals that trouble was on the way. I did get pretty good at reading her though. She was always kind of a cheery person, but if I saw her facial expressions darken, I knew to be on guard. But that was really the only thing I can point to as a 'signal'.

SDianeL

it can happen so quickly. Anxiety causes it. The more routine and calm you can keep him the better. For example I got up before my DH and fixed breakfast. I then woke him up and said “your breakfast is ready” I woke him at the same time every morning. Before I put this routine in place he would say he didn’t want to get up and become agitated. The routine made the difference.

Whatdowedonext

Facial expressions seem to be a clue. He doesn't do well when he's alone, he often floats into a delusion. Some of those create anxiety.