-Originally Aired: October 3, 2024 -

Guest: Dawn Ducca

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Understanding-and-Caring-for-Individuals-with-Frontotemporal

In this episode, Renee is joined by Dawn Ducca, who serves as a volunteer Ambassador for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that primarily impact personality, behavior, and language skills. This combination presents unique challenges for caregivers. Discussion includes medical aspects of the disease, psychological symptoms, and the progression of the disease that wreaks havoc on daily life. Some of the complexities of caregiving include the physical and emotional toll, but combined with coping and self-care strategies, caregivers can learn ways to support their well-being. Join Renee and Dawn for an hour of caregiving techniques and understand the importance of a support network.

About the Guest:

Dawn Ducca began volunteering with AFTD in 2019. As the former primary caregiver for her husband before his untimely death in 2022, she’s passionate about raising awareness and supporting others affected by this disease. Before joining the Ambassador team in 2021, she raised awareness in her community through presentations. She actively participated in AFTD’s annual flagship campaign, Food for Thought, as both a host and then liaison, supporting volunteers around the country with planning their events. As an Ambassador covering the Southeast Michigan, Northern Indiana, and Northwest Ohio area, she continues to raise awareness, educate others, and be a voice for FTD, including ensuring FTD is represented in her local dementia-friendly community.