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Catch us on CNN

CNN featured FTD throughout the day on Monday, December 14, 2009 in several pieces that highlighted the broad impact of the disorders on patients and families. AFTD is grateful to the Sparks family, Dr. Murray Grossman and all those who made possible this important opportunity for public awareness. View the full story any time on CNN.com

Caregiver profiled on public radio

                                                                                                                                                

photo by Jessica Kourkounis

Sadness drove Barry Vernick into bed for nearly six weeks after his wife’s death in November 2008 from complications of FTD. Then a friend convinced him to visit Manna, an organization in Philadelphia, Penna. that prepares and delivers meals to people with life-threatening illness. They needed volunteers. The head chef invited him into the kitchen and said, “You should cook.”

And cook he did. Recently, Vernick’s story was profiled in an audio slideshow produced by WHYY public radio in Philadelphia in which he describes the value of volunteering in the process of healing after his wife’s death.  According to Vernick giving back to others through working at Manna has “saved my life” and gives him a way to honor his wife’s legacy.

Visit WHYY’s Coming of Age page and click on Barry Vernick’s photo to view this moving audio slideshow.

Manitoba TV features AFTD Volunteer

Susan Gustafson, AFTD Regional Coordinator for Canada’s Western Provinces, was featured in a local television spot in Winnepeg, Manitoba on Tuesday, Janauary 5, 2010.   Susan was interviewed as part of the kick-off of Alzheimer’s Awareness month in Manitoba.   The piece describes some of the symptoms of frontemporal dementia and the challenges caregivers face.   View the video archived on Shaw TV.

Fall Newsletter Available

AFTD’s Fall 2009 newsletter is now in the mail to postal recipients and posted on the website.  To read all about the latest happenings in research, support for caregivers and FTD awareness click here.  Be sure to register with AFTD via the link on our home page to receive your copy of the newsletter three times each year.

The Role of Palliative Care in Dementia

An October 20, 2009 New York Times article points out that “The lack of understanding about the physical toll of dementia means that many patients near the end of life are subjected to aggressive treatments that would never be considered with another terminal illness.”  In later stages of the disease life prolonging treatments may increase symptoms of confusion and anxiety, and fail to address pain adequately. 

Understanding the course of progression and the physical impact in later stages can guide family decisions about life prolonging treatment vs. palliative care.  Read the article for more information.

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