Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, the photo is of Pat & I on the Shields Ferry early in 2013 before the FTD had taken the toll it has today.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is the clinical presentation of degeneration in the frontotemporal lobes of the brain.  Signs and symptoms typically manifest in late adulthood, more commonly between the ages of 55 and 65.  FTD is traditionally difficult to diagnose due to the heterogeneity of the associated symptoms.  Currently, there is no cure for FTD. Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia progress at a rapid, steady rate. Patients suffering from the disease can survive between 2–15 years. Eventually patients will need 24-hour care for daily function.

Pat condition has lost her speech suggesting that she has the Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia variant of the disease.  She was admitted to a Nursing Home in April 2015 with severe swallowing problems making it difficult to eat and drink.  To some extent this has been controlled and her weight is being maintained although it is still lower than ideal.


The Manchester Neurological Research Trust Fund was set up to provide support for research into neurodegenerative disorders.  They are at the forefront of international research in dementia, striving to improve diagnosis and treatment.  Their research work is greatly enhanced by donations so please give generously.

Many thanks

John