Patient Creates Documentary to Educate Others on Frontotemporal Dementia

“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”, Susan explained.

FTD is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that gradually destroys the ability to behave appropriately, empathize, learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities. It is fatal, without apparent cause or cure; average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to eight years.

Because of the lack of awareness for the disease and education on diagnosing the signs and symptoms, Grant spent two years creating the documentary film.

“I wanted a film because I didn’t want people to go through what I went through,” Grant said. “I want people to get diagnosed early, so they can get the proper medications to control symptoms and have a better quality of life for their remaining years.”

The film aired 2011, and it features personal stories from six families, as well as researchers from University of Pennsylvania, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Mayo Clinic. Because of the implications of the disease striking younger people, the film’s producers also included insights from lawyers, and financial and estate planners.

More info: http://ftdplanningforhope.com/

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2iFGvep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_frvVBgRHYI