Podcast

Facing FTD: Support, Education, and Hope - Episode 121

Diane Carbo

24 Nov 2025 — 2 min read

Are you or a loved one navigating a diagnosis that feels misunderstood? Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for people under 60, yet it often goes misdiagnosed and unsupported.

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In this vital episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo is joined by Esther Kane, MSN, RN, CDP, the Director of Support and Education for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). Together, they shed light on this complex disease, offering a roadmap for families desperately seeking answers, resources, and hope.

If you are dealing with the unique challenges of FTD—from behavioral changes to language difficulties—this episode is a must-listen.

💡 Key Highlights from This Episode

FTD vs. Alzheimer’s: unlike Alzheimer's, which primarily affects memory centers like the hippocampus, FTD affects the frontal and temporal lobes, impacting behavior, personality, and language. It also tends to be a younger-onset dementia, often striking people in their 50s and 60s.
The Misdiagnosis Struggle: Because it strikes younger, FTD is often misdiagnosed as depression, a midlife crisis, or menopause, leading to inappropriate treatments.
Real Support Exists: The AFTD offers incredible resources, including a dedicated helpline staffed by trained social workers, national support groups, and Comstock grants for respite and quality of life.
Hope on the Horizon: There is exciting progress in research, with multiple active clinical trials specifically targeting genetic forms of FTD.
Practical Caregiver Tools: Esther shares actionable tips, such as using AFTD "awareness cards" in public to discreetly explain behaviors to others without needing to verbalize it in the moment.

🤝 You Are Not Alone

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is Esther’s reminder that you cannot—and should not—navigate this journey alone.

Tune in to the full episode to hear Esther’s compassionate advice and learn how to build the supportive care team you deserve.

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