Welcome to my team page! 

The Alzheimer's Association also supports other types of dementias. At the age of 47, I was diagnosed with a rare form of (Atypical) Frontotemporal Disorder/Dementia (FTD). It is a result of damage to my neurons in my frontal and temporal lobes of my brain. My symptoms include: problems with emotional regulation, poor working memory, not being able to properly organize information in the brain, trouble with communication, visual and auditory hallucinations, and difficulties with balance. FTD IS RARE, and tends to occur at a younger age than other forms of dementia. Roughly 60% of people with FTD are 45-64 years old. 

Currently, I am a participant in 3 major research studies. I belong to LEADS- Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study at Medstar/Georgetown University Hospital and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic's study: Investigating Complex Neurodegenerative Disorders Related to ALS and FTD and the study: LEFFTDS-Longitude Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. 

As of now, there is NO cure or treatment for FTD. In fact, the new Alzheimer's drugs may actually worsen my symptoms. I have an amazing team of medical professionals helping manage my care. I participate in research studies so I can be accepted into new clinical trials.

This diagnosis has been difficult for me but even more difficult for my family.

Please consider joining our walking team or donating. 

Thank you for your support!

-Natasha