Our Mission

* Educate healthcare professionals



* Establish a clinic for FTD sufferers



* Support research





Friday, January 30, 2009

Frontotemporal Dementia FTD

Taken from "The Tangled Neuron"

The term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) refers to a group of degenerative brain conditions that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.


Scientists have observed abnormalities in a protein called tau in the brains of some people with FTD. The protein forms into tangles (also found in Alzheimer’s) that scientists think harm neurons. In Pick’s disease, one type of FTD, abnormal cells called Pick’s bodies are also found in the brain.


FTD can cause memory loss, speech problems and changes in personality and social behavior. Symptoms may also include problems with balance or walking. Some diagnosed with FTD experience enhanced creativity.


Researchers do not know what causes FTD, and there are no treatments to stop or slow the disease progression. Drugs typically prescribed for other types of memory loss, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and certain antipsychotic drugs, may not be appropriate for people with FTD.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I worry that these sleep deprivation methods will accelerate the aging process and result in people leading shorter lives without really ever knowing why.

Terri said...

I follow alot of the sleep studies...scary and people just don't get it. I worry about these kids that stay awake using all this stimulants etc for extended periods of time. No wonder so many kids are depressed.