Welcome to the MGH FTD Unit

Welcome to the MGH Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) Unit, a comprehensive clinical-research unit focused on Frontotemporal Degeneration and related disorders, including Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Semantic Dementia, Corticobasal Degeneration Syndrome (CBD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), FTD-ALS, and related disorders. We also work very actively in the FTD Unit with patients and families with young-onset and atypical forms of Alzheimer's disease.

The MGH FTD Unit aims to develop better knowledge about and diagnosis and treatment of all forms of FTD and related focal dementia syndromes. We provide comprehensive clinical services related to FTD, including diagnostic assessment, second opinions, comprehensive treatment recommendations, education and counseling, and ongoing monitoring. In addition, specialized services are available in partnership with other local providers when relevant, including genetic counseling and testing, neuropsychological assessment, social work services, occupational/speech/physical therapy, neuropsychiatry, sleep, vision, and hearing assessments. We work in close partnership with other clinicians in the area (including Brigham & Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Jamaica Plain VA Aphasia Research Center, and others). In addition, we work in close partnership with the Association for FTD and the Alzheimer's Association.

We are happy to discuss specific situations over the phone or by email to determine if a referral is appropriate. Please read our introductory brochure for more information.

We also perform a variety of research that we hope will contribute to better understanding of these disorders, earlier and more precise diagnosis, better prognostication and monitoring, and ultimately treatment.

We also conduct the MGH FTD Family Study focusing on symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in families in which FTD affects more than one member.

The PPA Program aims to better understand and treat primary progressive aphasia syndromes using existing technologies (including speech therapy) and by developing new diagnostic and treatment technologies. We also provide education and counseling related to PPA. Information for clinicians and researchers on our Progressive Aphasia Severity Scale is available here.

The PCA Program aims to better understand and treat posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) using existing and new technologies and by developing new diagnostic and treatment techniques. We also provide education and counseling related to PCA.

Our research is generously funded by the National Institute on Aging, National Institute for Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Communication Disorders and Deafness, the Association for FTD, the Krupp Foundation/Tom Rickles Fund, Tau Consortium, and private donors.