"Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a disease process that results in progressive damage to the temporal and/or frontal lobes of the brain. It causes a group of brain disorders that share many clinical features. FTD is also commonly referred to as frontotemporal dementia, fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or Picks disease.

FTD is distinct from other forms of dementia in two important ways:

• The hallmark of FTD is a gradual, progressive decline in behavior and/or language (with memory usually relatively preserved). As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for people to plan or organize activities, behave appropriately in social or work settings, interact with others, and care for oneself, resulting in increasing dependency on caregivers.

• Onset of FTD often occurs in a person’s 50s and 60s, but has been seen as early as 21 and as late as 80 years. Roughly 60% of cases occur in people 45-64 years old (Knopman, 2011), thus FTD can affect work and family in a way dementia in older patients does not.

While there are currently no treatments to slow or stop the progression of the disease, FTD research is expanding, producing greater understanding of the disorders. We anticipate that this knowledge will result in a growing number of potential therapeutics entering clinical testing within the next few years."

                Retrieved from https://www.theaftd.org/understandingftd/ftd-overview

If you are caring for someone with FTD and you would like further resources please visit the AFTD website https://www.theaftd.org 

You can also call their helpline. I have called them numerous times, and they are wonderful - 1-866-507-7222 (toll free)

Photo by Jennifer McKenna Photography