Writer Gerri Gallagher describes the “quiet, inescapable sadness” of watching a loved one succumb to FTD in a personal and touching recollection published May 10 in British Mode.

The column reflects on the journey of Gallagher’s sister Constance, who was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) in her early 50s. In intimate detail, Gallagher describes the grief of slowly losing her sister to the disease, and how its progression has impacted both Constance and their family.

“In the five or so years since the onset of her PPA, I have vacillated between incredulity and grief,” Gallagher writes. “I live with heartache so indescribable and profound that I feel I may implode from the burden.”

In grappling with the grief of slowly losing her sister, Gallagher also shares how she has learned to find joy in the sadness of the disease: “I cannot bring myself to think of what lies ahead…. Instead, I hold on to every day, every interaction.”

Grief is a frequent and intensely personal experience for those facing life with FTD. The newest AFTD resource, Wandelen met verdriet: verlies en de FTD-reis, was created to help individuals and families navigate the grief that is so often a part of the lives of all who are touched by this disease.

Klik hier to read Gallagher’s story online.