Rare forms of dementia: Police must be aware of symptoms

A new study conducted by researchers from the US, Australia & Sweden has measured behavioural changes in people with dementia.

Patients suffering from fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) in particular often experience severe changes in behaviour, such as criminal acts and lack of inhibitions.

Dr Laura Phipps, from Alzheimer's Research UK, told Today: "It's often very difficult to get a diagnosis for rarer forms of dementia ...that tend to affect behaviour and personality first.

"It's important that people within the community and within the police and legal system are aware of these forms of dementia and the particular symptoms they bring with them."

First broadcast Today 6 January 2015.