Welcome to the Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association
We welcome you to our website. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare form of dementia, accounting for around 10% of dementia diagnoses. It often occurs between 45 and 65 years of age, but can be seen in older and younger people. It can be difficult to diagnose, with accurate diagnosis often taking several years. FTD presents differently in the early stages to many other types of dementia, often appearing as personality, behaviour or language changes rather than changes in memory. The Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association is comprised of board members with lived experience of FTD, along with health professionals experienced with FTD. We are here to help.
Stay tuned for FTD Awareness Week activities!
AFTDA have formed a partnership with Dementia Support Australia to launch Carer Conversations.
The AFTDA and Dementia Support Australia are working in partnership to develop and run a nationwide network of support groups called Carer Conversations. Designed for carers who are supporting someone living with Frontotemporal Dementia, the groups are an opportunity for you to meet with other carers either face to face or virtually. The groups are facilitated by health professionals with expertise in FTD and consultants from Dementia Support Australia who provide specific tailored advice on behaviour support for the changes that may be occurring as a result of this diagnosis. Run once a month, Carer Conversations are a safe space for you to gain support, share and learn.
These groups will commence later in 2024 and we encourage you to register your interest so we can enrol you in programs in your area – either face to face or online.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at the AFTDA with any questions. More information is available by clicking on the ‘read more’ button below.
Click here to register to attend in Sydney or by Zoom – Or scan the QR code below
FRONTIER ran the 2024 City2Surf and raised funds for the AFTDA
For the second year, FRONTIER, the frontotemporal dementia research team at the Brain & Mind Centre of the University of Sydney raised funds for the Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association (AFTDA) by running the City2Surf.
A team of six runners including FRONTIER members Olivier Piguet, Kirrie Ballard, Ramon Landin-Romero, Siobhan Shaw and supporters Tracey Crawcour and Ryoko Cama will braved the 14 kilometre run on Sunday 11 August.
You can still donate to FRONTIER’s fundraiser post-run!
Bruce Willis diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia
Bruce Willis diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia
In 2023 it was announced that American actor Bruce Willis had been diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia. Willis’ family have been generous in sharing this difficult news, as they want to utilise Bruce Willis’ high profile to highlight that there is a need for more awareness of FTD, more research and more clinical trials.
The Willis family statement can be read here.
Professor Olivier Piguet of the Australian FTD Association was recently interviewed by Channel 10 on the diagnosis of Bruce Willis. Watch Prof Olivier comment on Bruce Willis’ diagnosis here.
International Dementia Conference
Sydney, 4-5th September 2024
Hosted in Sydney, hear from an array of clinical experts, health professionals, researchers, and industry leaders in dementia care at the International Dementia Conference. Topics include the latest treatment advances in dementia, government policy, palliative care, living well with dementia, and many more.
Learn more & register for the International Dementia Conference here
14th International Conference on Frontotemporal Dementias
The 14th International conference on Frontotemporal Dementias will take place from 19-22 September 2024 in RAI, Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
Visit the ISFTD 2024 website to learn about the programme and Caregivers day.
“They should have listened to me“: carer urges greater awareness of rarer dementias
“I would have felt I should have done more, stood up for him more” – Julane Bowen
