The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

Helen-Ann Comstock

AFTD Founder

1933-2025

You don't have to take
this journey alone.

AFTD offers reliable information, resources,
and support for families facing FTD.

Find Support Managing FTD Newly Diagnosed

FTD is caused by
degeneration of the frontal
and/or temporal lobes of the brain.

It's the most common form of dementia for people under 60.

What is FTD?

Learn More

Download a Diagnostic Checklist

Bruce Willis & FTD:
What You Need to Know

Bruce Willis’s family has announced
that he has been diagnosed with FTD.

Willis Family
Statement

AFTD
Statement

FTD Info &
Resources

Take
Action

From Symptom Onset to Diagnosis:

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL WEBINAR

Improving the FTD Diagnostic Journey

CME and CEC credit available for viewing the live webinar

Wednesday, August 13, 2025
4-5 p.m. EDT

Read the Full Plan

2025-2028

Paving the Path Forward:

Strategic Plan

Diagnosis and Treatment

Quality Care and Support

Advocacy and Awareness

Infrastructure and Sustainability

Since research is expanding so rapidly, AFTD is pleased to offer two ways for you to stay informed based on your level of scientific understanding.

Are you interested in staying up to date on FTD research?

Written for People on the FTD Journey Written for Researchers & Professionals

Support groups
provide a resource,
an outlet, and a place
to connect with others
who understand.

Find Support Near You

Learn More

Newly diagnosed? Concerned about potential symptoms? Get the information you need.

Find Help

Resources for Diagnosis Support Groups

Email our HelpLine

News & Events

AviadoBio and Astellas Senior Staff Discuss ASPIRE-FTD Trial in Interview

AviadoBio CEO Lisa Deschamps and Astellas senior vice president Richard Wilson discussed the ASPIRE-FTD clinical trial for FTD-GRN, challenges with the development and potential distribution of the AVB-101 gene therapy,…

AFTD Founder Helen-Ann Comstock, 1933-2025

Helen-Ann Comstock, who founded AFTD in 2002 to ensure that no other family would have to endure FTD without adequate resources, information, and support, died on July 30. She was…

The Road to Timely and Accurate FTD Diagnosis

Accurate, early FTD diagnosis is crucial – for appropriate care, improved quality of life and disease management, adequate support for caregivers, better informed decisions around family planning, and access to…

FBLI - Sharing Your Story to Make a Difference

AFTD Webinar: Sharing Your Story to Make a Difference — How to Connect with Legislators and Create Change

Cuts to federal programs are threatening the support systems that people living with FTD and their families rely on. Now more than ever, your voice matters. In this AFTD Advocacy…

Guest Feature: Forget Me Not

The following Guest Feature was written by Jessica Powers, who is a care partner for her mother, Michelle. “Jessy, look what I planted for you. I know how much you…

Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Cognition in Older Adults at Risk of Decline, Alzheimer’s Study Finds

Lifestyle changes, whether structured or self-guided, can improve cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline, according to the results of the Alzheimer’s Association’s US POINTER study. Structured Lifestyle…

AFTD CEO Susan Dickinson to Retire in May 2026; AFTD Board Leading Search for Successor

When Susan L-J Dickinson was hired to lead AFTD, the organization had just two other part-time employees. Much of its day-to-day work was done by a small group of passionate…

Tips & Advice: Brain Health and FTD

While no treatments have yet been approved for any type of FTD, emerging research is beginning to suggest that carriers of FTD-causing gene variants may be able to slow its…

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