The image shows AFTD volunteer Anika Honaker and her grandfather in a car. On the right, there is a red section with the AFTD logo and a quote: “I am doing outreach to help providers help other families get diagnoses more quickly and effectively.” It is attributed to Anika Honaker, an AFTD volunteer, and marked for National Volunteer Week.

Yesterday, we shared how Anika H.’s grandfather’s FTD diagnosis and passing shaped her connection to AFTD’s mission. Today, she’s helping bring FTD education to her community through provider outreach visits and local events, so more professionals recognize the signs of FTD.

❤️ Thank you, Anika!

Before becoming an AFTD volunteer, Anika Honaker was first a granddaughter searching for answers after her grandfather’s FTD diagnosis and passing.

Today, she volunteers so other families can connect to support sooner.

❤️ Leave a thank-you for Anika in the comments this #NationalVolunteerWeek!

This #NationalVolunteerWeek, we’re honoring the people who help keep AFTD’s mission rooted in service and growing together! ❤️

Volunteers show up for families facing FTD by leading support groups, sharing resources, raising awareness, and advocating for change. Thank you to all volunteers!

#FlashbackFriday to last year’s AFTD Education Conference — a time to connect, learn, and engage on the latest in FTD research and approaches to care. The AFTD '26 Education Conference is just two weeks away. There’s still time to join us in-person or online. Register today: https://bit.ly/4tlZwG6

A laboratory setting with two individuals in lab coats standing near equipment. Text reads: "Research partnership leads study exploring the analytic performance of lab test for neurodegeneration." Logo at the bottom left says "De Gruyter Brill.

A member of AFTD staff and a medical advisor contributed to a study that analyzes the ability of five assays to capture levels of the protein neurofilament light, a biomarker for damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases like FTD and ALS.

Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/4vfbClp

A person in a red AFTD t-shirt smiles while holding a snack bar and displaying a race medal. They stand among a group of people, with tall buildings and trees visible in the background.

A hand is holding a red bag labeled "AFTD" containing LMNT product packets. In the background, a crowd gathers near a finish line at a running event in Austin, Texas, marked by a banner. Tall buildings and trees are visible under a clear sky.

Our runners are fueled and ready.

❤️ Big thank you to LMNT for gifting our team with electrolytes to keep them going on race day. We're grateful for partners who show up for the AFTD community.

Wendy Cogan and her husband, Jeff, who lived with corticobasal degeneration, a form of FTD, faced a long and challenging journey to find answers.

Today, Wendy is sharing her family’s story in hopes of inspiring others to take part in FTD research.

❤️ Give today: https://bit.ly/3PMaJ3E

Jesús García-Castro, MD, is wearing a purple top and looking at the camera. The background features the AFTD logo and text that reads: "ADVANCING HOPE. AFTD Announces 2026 Recipient of Clinical Research Training Scholarship in FTD.

AFTD is pleased to announce the newest recipient of the 2026 Clinical Research Training Scholarship in FTD!

Jesús García-Castro, MD, is working on a project to diagnose PSP and CBD earlier using blood tests and brain imaging.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tyWCgI

Exhibitors banner featuring logos for several entities: STELLA-FTD, Progranulin Navigator, Mayo Clinic, Lorenzo’s House, Cure GRN, Cure MAPT FTD, Cure VCP, and End the Legacy The text reads "Connect - Learn - Engage, AFTD 2026 Education Conference, Seattle, WA." AFTD logo is present. Background includes a city skyline.

The AFTD 2026 Education Conference is right around the corner! We are excited to have several exhibitors on-site this year and encourage our attendees to visit their booths on April 30-May 1.

For those attending virtually, you can learn more about our exhibitors’ work here: https://bit.ly/4uGVCbH

Jesús García-Castro, MD was awarded the 2026 Next Generation Research Grant in Frontotemporal Dementia. Dr. García-Castro will combine blood testing and MRI brain scans to develop improved diagnostic methods for detecting subtypes of FTD called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Currently, both variants are difficult to diagnose in early stages because of symptoms that resemble other brain conditions. This research is co-funded with The Holloway Family Fund of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

Jesús García-Castro, MD was awarded the 2026 Next Generation Research Grant in #FrontotemporalDementia.

Institution: Institut de Recerca Sant Pau
This research is co-funded with @theaftd.bsky.social.

More ➡️ buff.ly/gGXsiuD
#FTDResearch

FTD Disorders Registry Director Carrie Milliard represented the Registry at last night's annual #HopeRising Benefit, which supports the @theaftd.bsky.social mission and paves the path forward to greater awareness, effective care, and research into urgently needed treatments for FTD.

A red and white poster from AFTD with the text "What are the Subtypes of Primary Progressive Aphasia?" There is an icon of a head with a question mark inside.

Red and white informational graphic from AFTD about Nonfluent/Agrammatic Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA).

Gray and white informational graphic from AFTD about Semantic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (svPPA)

Teal and white informational graphic from AFTD about Logopenic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (lvPPA)

It’s Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Week 🧠

💬 PPA is the gradual loss of the ability to speak, read, write, and understand what others are saying.

Experts describe three clinical subtypes based on the communication skills most initially affected: nfvPPA, svPPA, and lvPPA.

⬇️ Learn more ⬇️

Linde Lee Jacob's family sit together outdoors with a scenic, grassy background. A text box next to them reads: "Advocate for MAPT-Related FTD Shares with CNBC How She is Preparing for the Future as a Risk Gene Carrier." The CNBC logo is visible at the bottom.

Advocate Linde Lee Jacobs recently shared with CNBC how she is preparing her family for the future as a carrier of #MAPT, a risk gene associated with #FTD.

🔴 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dC2IZb

A webinar announcement for "Ask a Genetic Counselor" presented by AFTD and sponsored by Passage Bio. It features a photo of Krista Savage, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor specializing in neurology and neurogenetics. Scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Join AFTD on April 14 at 4 pm for an “Ask a Genetic Counselor” webinar with Krista Savage. This open-format session will explore genetic testing, familial FTD, and how results may inform you and your loved ones.

🔴 Sponsored by Passage Bio
👉 Sign up today: https://bit.ly/47YenO3

Wendy Cogan in front of a leafy background. They are wearing a magenta shirt. The image promotes "A Journey Toward Answers: Wendy's Story" with AFTD's logo in the top right corner. A "Learn More" button is at the bottom.

Image of Wendy Cogan and her husband Jeff. Wendy answers when she realized something wasn't right.

Wendy Cogan answers what the diagnostic journey was like for her family

Wendy Cogan answers why research is important to her now.

Wendy Cogan and her husband faced a lengthy journey to an FTD diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration (CBD), marked by several misdiagnoses.

Today, Wendy advocates for research so future families can receive faster diagnosis, better treatments, and hope.

❤️ Give today: https://bit.ly/3PMaJ3E

AviadoBio promotional image featuring two individuals in lab coats reviewing documents on clipboard and computers. Text beside them reads, "AviadoBio Trial Supported by AFTD and ADDF Treat FTD Fund Grant." AviadoBio logo is visible.

🚨 Important funding update 🚨

AFTD and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Association have awarded a >$2.4 million grant to AviadoBio, supporting the expansion of their ASPIRE-FTD trial.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4djzttS

A person sitting with their head resting on one hand, appearing thoughtful or distressed. The text on the right reads, "What is apathy? Lack of interest in previously meaningful activities or self-care. Apathy is a common early symptom of behavioral variant FTD." AFTD logo is present above the text.

Apathy is one of the most common and challenging symptoms of behavioral variant FTD. It can look like a loss of interest in hobbies, social withdrawal, or a decline in self-care. Apathy isn’t the same as depression, and managing it requires a different approach.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ttq5sq

Partners in FTD Care graphic with text stating: 'Did you know? Approximately one in five people diagnosed with FTD has a genetic cause, regardless of family history.'

Did you know approximately one in five people diagnosed with FTD has a genetic cause, regardless of family history?

That’s why community providers play a critical role in connecting families affected by FTD to genetic services.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4m93j6O

Medical facility with multiple computer screens displaying brain scans. The text on the left reads, "Study Led by AFTD Grantee Investigates Protein Changes Associated with Repetitive Head Injuries." The bottom text reads, "Springer Nature Link.

A study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration sets out to find clues that could help detect or better understand #CTE, which shares some features with other disorders like #FTD.

➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/41mH2Zm

Healthcare professionals and researchers play a vital role in improving recognition and care for people affected by FTD. The AFTD 2026 Education Conference offers opportunities to learn from leading experts and hear perspectives from people with lived experience. Register now: https://bit.ly/3Q1uswg

A webinar announcement for "Ask a Genetic Counselor" presented by AFTD and sponsored by Passage Bio. It features a photo of Krista Savage, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor specializing in neurology and neurogenetics. Scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Join AFTD on April 14 at 4 pm for an open-format webinar with genetic counselor Krista Savage. Bring your questions about genetic testing, family risk, and available resources.

🔴 Sponsored by Passage Bio
👉 Sign up today: https://bit.ly/47YenO3

Did you know behavioral variant FTD is the most common form of FTD, accounting for about half of all cases?

The hallmarks of bvFTD are personality changes, apathy, and a progressive decline in socially appropriate behavior, judgment, self-control, and empathy.

🧠 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Nq2Znl

A person in handcuffs stands against a brick wall, wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. Text to the right reads: "What is disinhibition? Inability to control or suppress an immediate, impulsive response to a situation. For example, the affected person may blurt out a rude comment or engage in risky, even dangerous, behavior." The AFTD logo is present.

What is disinhibition in frontotemporal degeneration? It refers to the inability to control or suppress an immediate, impulsive response to a situation. These changes include socially inappropriate behavior, loss of manners, & impulsive, rash, or careless actions. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bQH5S2

The image shows two individuals in a medical setting, with one holding a clipboard and pointing at a monitor. The text reads, "AviadoBio Expanding ASPIRE-FTD Clinical Trial to Fourth Cohort." The AviadoBio logo is visible at the bottom.

AviadoBio recently announced that it is expanding its ASPIRE-FTD clinical trial for an experimental gene therapy for FTD-GRN to a new six-person cohort.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/40IVsmE

AFTD logo above text stating, "California Senate Health committee unanimously advances bipartisan bill to add FTD to the state’s Neurodegenerative Disease Registry.

California has taken an important step toward improving the understanding of frontotemporal degeneration.

The CA Senate Health Committee unanimously advanced SB 1047, a bipartisan bill to add FTD to the state’s Neurodegenerative Disease Registry.

🔴 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4tacTsa

FTD is a devastating disease that impacts thousands of families. It’s the most common dementia for people under 60. FTD has no cure, no FDA-approved treatment, and takes an immense toll on families. Raising awareness is the first step toward change.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bIEpG3

An individual is speaking on stage at a conference with several empty red chairs nearby. A slide displays the "AFTD" logo. A text box reads, "Did you know? Sponsorships fund 37% of the conference. Individual donors power the rest."

While sponsorships fund 37% of AFTD’s Education Conference, individual donors make the rest possible — helping provide free registration, travel assistance, and virtual access for people impacted by FTD.

❤️ Support the 2026 Education Conference today: https://bit.ly/4aB8x6X

"Ten Years of Hope: Hope Rising Marks a Decade, Raises more than $2.1 Million, and Celebrates the Impact of Emma and Bruce Willis on FTD Visibility, Education, and Advocacy." The AFTD logo is visible at the top left of the sign. (L-R) Joan Berlin, Anna Wintour, Paula Zahn, Emma Heming Willis, Susan L-J Dickinson, Beth Walter, Kathy Newhouse Mele, and Rita Choula Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

On March 12, nearly 500 members of the FTD community gathered for AFTD’s 10th annual Hope Rising Benefit, raising $2.1 million to support awareness, care, and research. The evening honored Emma Heming Willis and Bruce Willis with the Susan Newhouse & Si Newhouse Award of Hope: https://bit.ly/3Pkhv0k

Diagnostic Checklists for Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Degeneration (bvFTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

Frontotemporal degeneration is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

AFTD developed diagnostic checklists for bvFTD, PPA, FTD-ALS, and PSP to help identify red flags and support evaluation.

📋 Download the checklists: https://bit.ly/4sSb8jq

Mike Brucklier and his two children pose outdoors near a "TCS New York City Marathon" banner. The image includes text: "Community Connection," "Running Through It: Mike Brucklier's Marathon Journey." An AFTD logo is visible.

After losing his father and brother to FTD, Mike B. has turned to marathon running as a way to support research and raise awareness.

Since 2023, he has run two marathons for AFTD and, with support from his workplace and community, has raised about $41,000.

👟 Read now: https://bit.ly/4b5BxUP