Promising FTD Gene Therapy from AviadoBio
Featured in the UK Guardian
The problem of misdiagnosis
The ABC interviews AFTDA board members Julane Bowen and Olivier Piguet.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/healthreport/frontotemporal-dementia/105739752
Frontotemporal dementia patients
missing out on timely diagnosis and treatment
“Australian researchers say diagnostic guidelines for one of the most common forms of younger-onset dementia are overly restrictive and risk delaying access to treatment and clinical trials.
Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia primarily targets parts of the brain which govern personality and social behaviour.” https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2025-08-28/diagnostic-criteria-for-younger-onset-dementia-needs-overhaul/105702886
AFTDA partners with Dementia Support Australia
in launching Carer Conversations
The AFTDA is excited to announce a new partnership with Dementia Support Australia (DSA). Together we have developed a national network of support groups for FTD carers known as Carer Conversations. These groups meet face to face or online and are be co-facilitated by health professionals with expertise in FTD, and dementia consultants from DSA.
For more information and to register your interest in online and face-to-face groups in your area, click HERE
The International Dementia Conference is a highly respected conference that is attended by leaders in the field of dementia care, including clinical experts, industry leaders, and importantly those with lived experience of dementia. In 2024, members of the AFTDA were invited to present at the IDC, sharing their experience and knowledge of FTD.
WORLD FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK
September 22 to 29 2024
The theme this year is
“We are all in this together”
World FTD Awareness week is a global annual event that is usually held in the last week of September. Each year, those living with FTD and their families, organisations, research centres, and clinicians gather with the primary goal of spreading awareness about what FTD is and its impact.
FTD Awareness Week 2023
FTD Awareness Week 2022 – The journey to diagnosis:
FTD Awareness Week 2021 – A global conversation:
FTD Awareness Week 2020 – World FTD Marathon:
14th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIAS
19 – 22 September 2024
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
www.isftd2024.org
The 14th International Society for FTD (ISFTD) was held in Amsterdam. The conference showcased the latest research in FTD as presented by neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists with special interest in FTD and other dementias. There was also be a dedicated day for carers of loved ones with FTD. Members of the AFTDA were in attendance and presented at the conference.
ANNUAL FRONTIER FTD INFORMATION DAY
September 2024
Past Fundraising Events
Dom’s Marathon Success Raises $7,000 for FTD Awareness!
We’re thrilled to celebrate Dominic Talimanidis — a husband, father of three, and owner of the fabulous Ipsos restaurant in Lorne — for completing the Melbourne Marathon in an incredible sub-3-hour time, while raising over $7,000 for the Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association (AFTDA).
Every kilometre Dom ran, and every donation made to support him, has helped the AFTDA make a difference to families living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who donated and supported Dominic’s run. Your generosity makes a real difference. (Photo: Dominic with his family at the MCG finish line)
FUND RAISING EVENT: Fitzroy in Melbourne on 12th February!
The Peppermints Present: The Mint Archives
A powerful night of Australian music is coming to Melbourne on 12 February in Fitzroy, in Melbourne – bringing together legacy, talent, and purpose in support of families living with frontotemporal dementia.
The Mint Archives is a very special live event presented by The Peppermints, celebrating the music and influence of the alternative-rock band Mint, led by the late Melinda Wood. More than twenty years after Mint’s original releases, their catalogue is being re-imagined for a new audience in a moving tribute that honours both musical legacy and lived experience with FTD.
In 2017, Melinda was diagnosed with behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) at the age of 47. Eight years on, her daughter Eden Beveridge-Wood and bandmate Monika Jurisic are collaborating with the Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association to raise funds for support to those diagnosed with FTD and related disorders, their carers and families.
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/2d3a4f10-38d9-4ee8-9482-9742f4422ea2
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!
Star AFTDA fundraiser
Daisy Dumas
Daisy ran the 2023 Sydney Marathon to raise money for the AFTDA. It was a very personal event for Daisy as her mother was diagnosed with FTD. Daisy raised over $12,000 for the AFTDA and her amazing fundraising has made it possible for the AFTDA to upgrade our website and support more families living with FTD.
Thank you so much Daisy!
AFTDA Grassrootz Fundraising
The AFTDA are committed to raising awareness of FTD and providing support to individuals and organisations responding to the challenges of FTD. We are always interested to hear about fundraising ideas, and to support and collaborate with individuals, businesses, corporations, and group fundraising initiatives where possible. If registered to fundraise for the AFTDA, we can look to provide merchandise to support fundraising efforts.
The AFTDA Grassrootz Fundraising: https://australian-frontotemporal-dementia-association.grassrootz.com/
Daisy ran the 2023 Sydney Marathon to raise money for the AFTDA. It was a very personal event for Daisy as her mother was diagnosed with FTD. Daisy raised over $12,000 for the AFTDA and her amazing fundraising has made it possible for the AFTDA to upgrade our website and support more families living with FTD. Thank you so much Daisy!
Past
Fundraising
Events
Kell’s ride for the future
At the age of 60, and recently diagnosed with FTD, Greg Kelly embarked on a ‘Ride for the future’, riding his Harley Davidson across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA starting August 12th 2019 to raise awareness for FTD and younger-onset dementia.