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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 14h

AFTD offers national support groups designed to meet the unique needs of our community. Whether you’re a young adult care partner, part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or a Spanish-speaking caregiver, these groups provide a safe space for connection and understanding.

Email [email protected] to sign up!

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National Support Group for Young Adult Care Partners between the ages of 17-26.

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National Support Group for Young Adult Care Partners between the ages of 24-40.

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National LGTBQIA+ Caregiver Support Group

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National Support Group for Spanish-Speaking Care Partners

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 1d

AFTD is hiring a HelpLine Advisor!

In this role, you’ll provide compassionate, accurate support and connect families facing FTD with resources through AFTD’s HelpLine. You’ll also collaborate with our Programs team to expand resources for families.

👉 Apply now: https://bit.ly/4o5Y6fC

Promotional image for AFTD featuring a helpline advisor in a light blue uniform and headset, smiling while working at a computer. Text reads 'AFTD is Hiring, Helpline Advisor. Visit our website to learn more & apply!'

The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 2d

📢 Upcoming AFTD Webinar: Talking to Family About Genetic FTD Risk on 10/20

When FTD is genetic, it’s critical to help relatives understand their potential risk and the hope that research progress brings. Featuring personal stories plus guidance from Mayo Clinic. Sign up: https://bit.ly/46TyMUh

Webinar announcement from AFTD, titled 'Talking to Family About Genetic FTD Risk' set for October 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Features speakers Angela Lunde, Ansel Dow, and Wanda Smith. Image displays a family seated around a dining table in a well-lit room, engaged in conversation.

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 3d

Mother-daughter duo Kathy and Sara LaFone hosted their 8th annual TIMFEST in memory of their husband and father, Tim, who passed away from FTD in 2015. They celebrated with music he loved, and shared food they remembered.

🍝 Donate to Food for Thought today: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Photo 1 from Kathy and Sara LaFone's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

Photo 2 from Kathy and Sara LaFone's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

Photo 3 from Kathy and Sara LaFone's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 3d

In a recent podcast interview, comedian Kelsey Cook opened up about her caregiving journey with her mom, who was diagnosed with FTD in 2020.

She discusses the challenges of her mom's diagnosis, the long road to answers, and how humor has helped her cope.

🔴 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3KQgniD

Will Gather and Kelsey Cook smiling at the camera, standing in front of a background with the logos of AFTD and Gary's FUB Team with the following words 'Comedian Shares Her FTD Caregiving Journey on Podcast'

The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 4d

AFTD’s updated guide, Life After an FTD Diagnosis, offers clear, compassionate information for navigating this journey today, from clinical trials and genetics to planning, caregiving, and finding meaning in daily life.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/46OGq1i

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 4d

Kim Stasa brought Food for Thought to the court in memory of her husband, Jeff. The different sports teams at the Nazareth Area High School participated in the Hot Shot Challenge, raising funds and awareness among the next generation.

🌶️ Support Kim by donating today: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Kim Stasa's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 5d

For Food for Thought this year, Shelly Warner rose to the occasion by selling homemade sourdough starter kits in mason jars with recipes and instructions included. Every jar was crafted to raise awareness and spread FTD education.

🥖 Support Shelly by donating today: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Photos from Shelley Warner's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 6d

A study co-authored by an AFTD grantee examines the opinions of people at risk or potentially at risk of #FTD on predictive biomarker testing and the impact of the results on their lives.

➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gSvZyf

Two individuals are engaged in a conversation in a modern office setting, with one seated on a couch and the other on a chair, beside the words 'People Facing FTD Share Views on Effects of Predictive Biomarker Testing'

The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 6d

In honor of Bruce Willis and his iconic role as David Addison, Carolyn Merritt Gandy hosted a virtual cooking class based on her book, “Moonlighting Cookbook”. Guests cooked along in real time as Carolyn expertly crafted her recipes.

🔴 Donate to Food for Thought today: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Photos from Carolyn Merritt Gandy's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 7d

Fishtown Pickle Project is putting purpose in every jar. This Philly-based small business is once again supporting Food for Thought by donating a portion of sales in memory of co-founder Niki Toscani's father, who lived with FTD.

🥒 Donate today and join the fight against FTD: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Images from Fishtown Pickle Project's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser including an image of Niki with her father

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 8d

Stephen Boyajian hosted a Die Hard themed event at his business, Trouvaille Brewing. In addition to the four new themed drinks, they hosted contests, music, and trivia.

🍺 There's still time to support Food for Thought! Donate today: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Stephen Boyajian's Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 9d

Join AFTD on October 20, at 3 pm ET, for a webinar on practical ways to share genetic FTD risk information with family. Hear from community members Wanda Smith and Ansel Dow, and learn strategies from Mayo Clinic’s Angela Lunde.

👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/46TyMUh

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 9d

Karine Finken hosted another year of her virtual cooking class, Cuisine with Karine. She cooked a delicious brain-healthy meal on Zoom with her friends and family so they could cook, eat, and chat about FTD together.

🍞 Support the last few days of Food for Thought: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Karine Finken's Food For Thought fundraiser 2025

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 10d

Joellen, Darryl, and Jenna served more than slices at their Italian Restaurant, A Little Pizza Heaven, in Scranton, PA. They hosted their Food for Thought fundraiser, and every slice supported AFTD’s mission.

🍕 Donate to a Food for Thought event today: https://bit.ly/4gLzTJi

Food For Thought 2025 fundraiser hosted by Joellen, Darryl, and Jenna's Italian Restaurant 'A Little Pizza Heaven' in Scranton, PA

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 11d

Thank you for being part of World FTD Awareness Week 2025! 🌎

While the week may be ending, our mission continues. Let’s keep raising awareness, supporting families, and connecting the global FTD community all year long.

Promotional thank you graphic for World FTD Awareness Week 20205

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 11d

Did you know FTD is genetic in around 20% of cases?

What lies ahead for these families? Luckily, current clinical trials offer hope.

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4p3xVHI
⬇️ Comment below if genetic FTD has affected your family.

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 12d

Did you know that FTD can place a large financial burden on a family, often more than later-onset forms of dementia?

Poor judgment, poor financial decisions, loss of employment, delayed diagnosis - all can increase the huge financial impact of FTD.

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4g7eRV6

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 13d

Did you know FTD carers experience some of the highest stress levels?

No roadmap, limited support, no recognition. The person with FTD may believe, “nothing is wrong”. Others may even blame the carer.

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3JIO6u0

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 14d

AFTD Ambassador Carrie Edwards recently made headlines by donating her $150,000 Virginia lottery winnings to causes close to her heart, including AFTD. Her gift, shared during World FTD Awareness Month, reflects her deep commitment to creating a future free of FTD. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nDPI6S

AFTD Ambassador Carrie Edwards and AFTD's Marketing & Communications Director PJ Lepp holding a large Virginia Lottery check for $150,000 with the following title 'AFTD Ambassador Carrie Edwards donates lottery winnings to AFTD'

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 14d

Did you know FTD can steal away your words?

When conversations stop making sense — it’s not forgetfulness, it could be FTD.

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4p5c5DT
⬇️ Comment below how FTD first affected your loved one's ability to communicate.

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 15d

Did you know FTD can make someone seem like a stranger to their loved ones?

Mood swings, risky choices, appetite changes, impulsive & compulsive behaviors, loss of motivation, lack of empathy — it’s not “just stress".

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/46gn5qx

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 16d

Did you know that in FTD, memory is typically not the first thing to change?

They remember everything, and they passed all the tests at the doctor’s office — that's FTD.

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3JL6Ede
⬇️ Comment below what was the first thing you noticed changing in your loved one with FTD.

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 17d

Did you know that dementia doesn’t just happen in old age?

FTD often strikes in your 40s, 50s, or 60s — when you’re working, parenting, or even building a career.

🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nbSY9j
⬇️ Comment below what age your loved one was diagnosed with FTD.

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The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration @theaftd.bsky.social · 17d

🌎 World FTD Awareness Week 2025 is here! 🌎

This year, we ask the world: “What if it’s FTD?” Together, we’ll raise awareness, share stories, and build a global community of support.

✨ Stay tuned to learn more and join the conversation.

Promotional graphic for World FTD Awareness Week 2025

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