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Dementia doesn’t just happen in old age. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) often strikes in your 40s, 50s, or 60 when you’re working, parenting, or even building a career. I was honored to work with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to introduce Senate Concurrent Resolution 80 to designate Sept. 21-27, 2025 as FTD Awareness Week in California.
FTD is frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s, depression, Parkinson’s disease, or a psychiatric condition. On average, it currently takes 3.6 years to get an accurate diagnosis. Uncharacteristic personality changes, apathy, and unexplained struggles with decision-making, movement, speaking or language comprehension are the most common symptoms. Often people appear physically healthy despite the neurodegeneration.
Contact the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s HelpLine at 866.507.7222 to find more information and ways to connect with support groups and other vital resources.