New AFTD PSA Produced with Discovery, Inc. Will Bring Awareness of Young-Onset Dementia

News provided by

Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

Sep 26, 2018, 12:55 ET

RADNOR, Pa., Sept. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new PSA released by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) in partnership with Discovery highlights the challenges faced by families in the wake of a young-onset dementia diagnosis. The 30-second video focuses on frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the most common form of dementia for people under 60 – and how AFTD responds by providing information, support and ways to connect and get involved for all affected.

The PSA features firsthand testimonials from three individuals whose lives have been touched by FTD. Bringing progressive changes in behavior, personality, language, and movement – most often during an individual's 40s or 50s – FTD can be particularly devastating for families with young children and teenagers. Today, there is no cure, nor are there any approved disease-modifying treatments. In fact, many healthcare professionals remain unfamiliar with its signs and symptoms.

"Far too few people know about FTD and its effects on individuals and families," said David Zaslav, President & CEO of Discovery. "Discovery is proud to partner with AFTD to raise awareness and help address this disease."

The individuals featured in the PSA describe the profound changes that accompanied their loved ones' experiences. The video also highlights how AFTD helps those affected to find hope, connection and support in the face of challenges brought on by FTD.

AFTD is the nation's leading organization dedicated to addressing FTD – focused on compassionate care, effective support, and a future free of this disease. The debut of this PSA is timed for World FTD Awareness Week, which runs from September 23 through September 30, 2018.

"AFTD is grateful for the tremendous support and leadership that Discovery has shown for our work," said AFTD's CEO Susan L-J Dickinson, MS, CGC, "and for the involvement of all who have shared their stories with us."

For more information on this PSA, including opportunities to broadcast or share it with others, please contact our Development & Communications Director at [email protected] or by phone at 267.758.8647.

Learn more about AFTD and FTD at www.theAFTD.org/learnmore.

View the PSA at https://youtu.be/E-S98SkTSqY.

Learn more about the PSA at www.theaftd.org/about-the-psa/.

SOURCE Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration