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In Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), areas of your brain (the frontal lobe and temporal lobe) shrink, causing progressive speech, language, personality and behavior problems, as well as a decline in your thinking and reasoning skills (cognitive skills). It is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric problem or as Alzheimer's disease, but FTD tends to occur at a younger age than does Alzheimer's disease, typically between the ages of 40 and 70.
Susan, a Mayo Clinic patient diagnosed with FTD, has created a 1-hour documentary film to educate others. In her words, "Instead of going silently into that good night, my caregiver Cindy and I have dedicated two precious years of what remains of my life to creating a film, 'Planning for Hope.' Bold and arresting, it is aimed at unveiling the truth about Frontotemporal Disease, addressing the surrounding issues and controversies, and offering hope to those affected."
In the film, people who suffer from FTD and their families share openly about their struggles, how they deal with the discrimination heaped upon them, their confusion, and their pain. These stories are blended with updates on the latest medical and scientific advances.
Susan says, "Getting a diagnosis of a terminal disease is so very hard, but hopefully through the film, we can help make a difference."
View a 60-second promo for the film below, or go to the Planning for Hope web site to view the full documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3cLDiJny98
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