Prime of Life: A Family's Story (FTD)

David Wetzl and his family's journey with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

[l.alexandra]

Wow. This woman is a piece of work. My husband just died from FTD - why be so impatient with him and why belittle him? She’s so annoyed. I feel so sorry for this man. I’d give anything to have my very flawed, diminished husband back for five minutes. Who cares if he can’t see the layers and layers of his “work.” He still is a sweet man. To lose his CREATIVE mind is a tragedy??? Losing any part of your person or your mind is horrible. My husband was a Harvard Law School graduate. And we weren’t bemoaning this loss of this aspect of who he was. It was his loss of basic dignity which was so devastating.

[kevinjohndrow]

My heart goes out to you all. I am a caregiver for my wife. I hope for a cure as you do.

[molliemcmanus]

I can relate. My bro got FTD year ago along with ALS. I can’t express how painful it is to understand and process all that is rapidly happening. My heart is with everyone living with this.

[stevepeppers]

Been with my mamma for two years. I'm not sure what form of demintia she has but it's gaining momentum, so it seems.
She reads constantly and plays word search games. We walk daily and consume a good diet. It's such a back and forth target, always moving. Similar to fog moving in, then lifting only to return later.
I'm 60, she's 78. This stuff can kill two at the time. I hadn't a clue this would be my test of a lifetime. No one to share, no one to care.
My God provide us the strength and compassion to be loving care providers.

[jennifermehojah]

My mom passed from this at the age of almost 39.

[yesterdayitrained]

This video is disgraceful. The lack of empathy and compassion for this man is appalling. Yes, raising awareness = raising desperately needed funds. But this is not the way to do it. This man is not a “clown”. He is is man losing himself, and he knows it. Show him some respect, and give him the dignity he deserves. JFC.

[karenthomas]

At least he has left a legacy, some people go their whole life without achieving anything.

[barbaraweytens]

Im sorry you are going through this. My husband was also diagnosed june 1st and im terrified

[laurah.]

my mom has this disease and I haven't seen her in 7 years. She literally went on a campaign of terror against me and my family. I was so baffled by her behavior, i didnt even know who she was anymore. No one in my family has helped me or reached out to me. She recently lost her older brother and his wife and she's been acting aloof and psychotic. I am glad that I don't have to deal with her and her disease anymore. My family back home in Texas just thinks I am crazy. I have severe ptsd because of what she put me through.

[reynasaenz]

David was a great teacher for me. I feel really sad that this is happening to him. I am wondering wether this was genetic or caused by cadmium and all the toxic elements we have used in our artistic careers.

[hannahrosa]

I'm so sorry you have to experience this. My husband suffered for ten tears with it then mercifully cancer took him.

[elmobolan]

Why are his loved ones so are focused on what he can't do and constantly reminding him of what he has lost, why not work with who he is that day and enjoy the time he has left....

[claudiaorgill]

It's a sad case, but let us accept the things that we cannot change and the understanding to know the difference, give him all the love and the respect that he so deserve, we never know the day when it's our turn.

[janetbransdon]

She is so abrupt with him... not very loving towards him and dwelling on the negative. Please give this lovely man a break. Boy they say opposites attract ... try to understand him instead of putting him down. She appears to be more concerned about her experience instead of his.

[MrBobberino]

My mother in law was diagnosed with this yesterday, My wife and I feel overwhelmed as to where to start to help her. She lives alone and far from us.

[khappy]

My farmer boyfriend- something was wrong. 30 yrs of pesticides. Brain is shutting down. He is so hot and cold. So sad.

[bernardwinn]

Well compared to my girlfriend with FTD He’s doing a whole lot better than my girlfriend. She can’t talk can’t walk. She just likes sweets. Coke and french fries that’s what I bring her assistant living. She used to be a Great dancer. And now she can’t walk. But I’m still there to see her, And hold her hand. Tell her I love her and then I leave

[auntymarushkafah]

Can Keto help prevent further deterioration? I know they're calling alzheimers Diabetes t3 now. Seems like keto would be worth giving a shot.

[jennys]

I'm in the process of finding out which form of FTD I have. It's looking like non-fluent / Broca's. I'm in the early days and I'm trying to educate myself and my family asap while I can. This YouTubes is unusable for me because there is SO much 'background music' that I can't follow what you are saying. I'm not just whiney; I want/need to understand what you're saying. Please turn back-ground music etc. in your vids? Thank you.

[manueladarazsdi]

The wife is a really Debbie Downer! She is not adding to his quality of life.