AFTD has committed to a new strategic plan to guide its work over the next three years. The plan was created with input from diverse stakeholders, and put into effect in July, at the start of AFTD’s 2025-2026 fiscal year. It builds on the momentum of the last few years and emphasizes our goal of charting a clear path to an FTD-free future. Achieving the goals of this ambitious strategic plan will not be possible without the help of community members like you. 

“I’ve never worked with a more passionate community, or one more committed to creating a better future–with more support, accurate information, and effective treatments–for families facing the FTD journey,” said AFTD CEO Susan L-J Dickinson, MSGC. “I’ve learned that this community doesn’t readily accept the hand they’ve been dealt. Every day, I see individuals and families draw upon enormous reserves of resilience, hope, and strength to pay it forward through research participation, volunteering, and activism. And that’s never changed in all the years I’ve spent at AFTD.” Dickinson is stepping down next May after 18 years’ service to AFTD.  

Our strategic plan will focus on four primary areas of concern:  

1. Diagnosis and Treatment
   Far too often, receiving a correct diagnosis of FTD is a frustrating, multi-year process rife with false leads and false hope. On average, getting an accurate diagnosis still takes more than 3.5 years. Compounding this challenge, no approved disease-modifying therapies for any form of FTD currently exist. We pave this path forward by advancing diagnosis, treatments, and cures for all. 
2. Quality Care and Support 
   The disruption and isolation so often brought by FTD are heightened by a profound lack of high-quality care and support options. We pave this path forward by ensuring that high-quality care and support are accessible to anyone affected by FTD at every stage of their journey. 
3. Advocacy and Awareness 
   Those affected by FTD often have to educate themselves while managing the profound impact of the diagnosis itself. Fostering widespread awareness of this disease is the first step to addressing this challenge, and advocating for change will ensure that families facing FTD will encounter a more understanding and supportive world. We pave this path forward by advancing awareness and advocating for policy change to drive research and improve the lives of those impacted by FTD. 
4. Infrastructure and Sustainability 
   A robust AFTD infrastructure creates the foundation upon which our mission is achieved. We pave this path forward by ensuring organizational effectiveness and sustainability to deliver meaningful impact. 

Are you interested in helping AFTD pave the path forward? Learn more about how you can support our mission on the strategic plan web page.