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Living and dying with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD)
First I want too say how much my friends here on the DU mean to me. The support I got in the last day after my disability OP boggled what is left of my mind.
It does help more than anybody knows. Yesterday: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027531411
Since last May when I told the DU about me, I have helped three other DUers that had family members diagnosed after learning about FTD from me. I have no idea how many lurkers I may have helped.
Last night was a bad night for me. I was in a bad mood when I went to sleep. When I wake up in the middle of the night, it can be very bad. I came to the DU and found two locks. I blew up. I'm sorry anybody saw a post I later killed when I came down to earth. I threw crap in every direction. I'm lucky I didn't get a hide on it. I also did a dumb alert. Good jury did the right thing and left it alone.
It will happen again and again from time to time.
Many don't understand what I'm dealing with. But I have done wonders for FTD awareness.
Don't take this as a complaint for the locks. They were correct.
OS
My OP from last May: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026641619
45 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Always.
I do not know you, as I am pretty new.
But I am sorry some people are nasty vermin.
Always remember most people are good. 
Just like you! 
Even if they don't post much anymore.
Believe it.
Your contributions here are beyond price.
Be well, old friend. The sun will rise.
You have done wonders in so many ways!
you will always have my respect.
Peace.
LT
and thanks for your wonderful posts. You are a real asset on DU.
Am sending prayers your way.
I also love your animal OPs and your amazing advocacy of Bernie.
From the looks of it, you are well-loved here. Add me to your list of supporters!
I have made it clear that I'm not going out on FTD's terms and someday will exercise my right to die: http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/01/my-right-die
OS
http://www.theaftd.org/understandingftd/ftd-overview
Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a disease process that results in progressive damage to the temporal and/or frontal lobes of the brain. It causes a group of brain disorders that share many clinical features. FTD is also commonly referred to as frontotemporal dementia, fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or Picks disease.
FTD is distinct from other forms of dementia in two important ways:
• The hallmark of FTD is a gradual, progressive decline in behavior and/or language (with memory usually relatively preserved). As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for people to plan or organize activities, behave appropriately in social or work settings, interact with others, and care for oneself, resulting in increasing dependency on caregivers.
• Onset of FTD often occurs in a person’s 50s and 60s, but has been seen as early as 21 and as late as 80 years. Roughly 60% of cases occur in people 45-64 years old (Knopman, 2011), thus FTD can affect work and family in a way dementia in older patients does not.
While there are currently no treatments to slow or stop the progression of the disease, FTD research is expanding, producing greater understanding of the disorders. We anticipate that this knowledge will result in a growing number of potential therapeutics entering clinical testing within the next few years.
It is important for caregivers and families to think about long-term management issues and identify a team of experts who can help with difficult medical, financial and emotional challenges. It is imperative to have a physician who is knowledgeable about FTD and approaches to treatment. Other medical specialists who may be helpful include: speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, neuropsychologists, nurses (especially home-care nursing), social workers and genetic counselors.
Although specific symptoms may vary from patient to patient, FTD is marked by an inevitable deterioration in functioning. The length of progression varies, from 2 to over 20 years with a mean course of 7-13 years from the onset of symptoms (Onyike and Diehl-Schmid, 2013). FTD itself is not life-threatening. It does, however, predispose patients to serious complications such as pneumonia, infection, or injury from a fall. The most common cause of death is pneumonia.
Useful Links:
Fast Facts About FTD
Newly Diagnosed
Healthcare Professionals
You are Magnificent!
You are a treasure here at DU. Be well. 
You are truly the hardest working man on DU.
I love your animal posts, but especially pics from your very own wildlife refuge.
I am honored to call you my friend!
