Partners in FTD Care Newsletters

Welcome to the Partners in FTD Care quarterly newsletter library.  Partners in FTD Care is your resource for case-based learning to build knowledge and confidence in serving people with FTD.  Each issue presents an actual care scenario that can be used easily in staff training.

Issue #7: Spring 2013: In FTD, Roaming is Not Wandering: In over 70% of cases, frontotemporal degeneration begins younger than age 65. People are often physically active and have cognitive and behavioral symptoms that poses unique care challenges.  The case of Jay Gould illustrates how roaming in FTD is different from wandering, and what to do about it.

With this newsletter, Partners in FTD Care introduces a new tool for direct care workers and family caregivers. “What to Do About…” is a single page of practical tips that you can use and share. Together we can improve care for people with FTD!

Issue #6: Winter 2013:  Activities for Individuals with FTD:  People with FTD have impairments that affect participation in activities differently than people with Alzheimer’s.  Read the case of Hope Lynn, 50, and how she and the assisted living staff benefitted from a carefully developed activity plan.

Issue #5: Fall 2012: Primary Progressive Aphasia, Non-Fluent Type: In order to serve people with PPA in community settings, it is important to appreciate how the disease progresses over time. The case of Lily Noble, 46, shows the importance of understanding the trajectory of the disease and how it impacts patient, family and care management.

Issue#4: Summer 2012: Compulsive Behavior in FTD:  Simple repetitive movements, rituals and repetition of word or phrases are common in FTD.  The case of David, 57, shows how assisted living staff and David’s family work together to reduce behaviors and reflect respect for all.

Issue #3: Spring 2012: How to Approach Aggressive Behavior:   Some people with FTD experience periods of anger and aggressive behavior.  The case of John Brown, 56, shows how careful assessment of behaviors and active coordination of care in a low-stress, structured environment can ensure safety and maximize compassionate care.

Issue #2: Winter 2012: Communication Strategies in FTD:  Speaking, reading, writing and naming are aspects of communication that are often impaired in FTD.   The case of Karl, 59, addresses effective communication techniques for FTD and the importance of including a speech-language pathologist as part of the team.

Issue #1: Fall 2011: Behavioral variant FTD:  One of the most common clinical presentations of FTD is changes involves behavior and personality.  The case of Margie Eline, 51, symptoms of bvFTD are discussed as well as strategies for staff for working with residents who are young, physically fit who do not appear to have dementia.