Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

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Symptoms and clinical language

Frontotemporal changes

Changes in thinking, planning or behaviour that some people with ALS/MND experience alongside movement changes.

What it means

The parts of the brain behind the forehead and temples handle planning, judgement, attention and social behaviour. In some people with ALS/MND these are affected too. Changes range from subtle to significant, and many people have none at all.

Why you might hear it

  • Screening for it is a routine part of care in many clinics.
  • It is often what a team means by asking about thinking and behaviour.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.