The group provides support and education to the families of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related neurodegenerative diseases, such as progressive nuclear palsy or coritcobasal degeneration. The group addresses the needs of FTD caregivers whose concerns are often different than those of Alzheimer's disease caregivers. Format is informal with open discussion and occasional speakers. Caregivers and family members of patients are welcome. The support group is free. No reservations needed to attend.
Location: UCSF Dentistry Building, 707 Parnassus Ave., Room D-3209, San Francisco
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Held concurrently with Memories in the Making, an art program for patients.
Contact: Robin Ketelle (415) 502-1053 or rketelle@memory.ucsf.edu
For Adult Children of Patients
This group is for the adult children of people diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Participants from across the country are welcome to join the discussion by phone. Please contact the group facilitator for the call-in number and time. The support group is free.
Meetings: Third Thursday the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Jamie Fong at (415) 476-8613 or jfong@memory.ucsf.edu
The group welcomes affected individuals, at-risk individuals, family members, loved ones, friends and caregivers. The group offers support and education in a caring, safe and relaxed environment. The format is informal with occasional guest speakers who are invited to share their knowledge of medical management, research and resources.
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Blvd., First Floor, Tiburon
Meetings: Third Thursday the month from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: Andrea Zanko, genetic counselor (415) 476-9320 or zankoa@peds.ucsf.edu
This group, under the guidance of an artist facilitator, offers individuals a means of self-expression through the process of painting and drawing. In this program, a person with diminished verbal and organizational skills can communicate using paints or pencil by recreating a memory on paper or canvas. The art sessions are facilitated by an artist and assistant who have extensive art backgrounds and knowledge of dementing illnesses.
Location: Please call for UCSF location.
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., RSVP required. Held concurrently with FTD Caregiver Support Group.
Contact: Ashley Berhel (415) 476-8101 or aberhel@memory.ucsf.edu
These meetings cover a variety of topics for patients with memory loss and their caregivers. The meetings are offered in two to four hour sessions twice a year, with guest speakers on several topics. A reservation is required. You may attend one or both of the meetings.
Location: San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement St., San Francisco
Meetings: Twice a year
Contact: Mary Hulme (415) 221-4810 extension 2801 or Michael Stick (415) 221-4810 extension 3790
