Frontotemporal dementias: development of an integrated care pathway through an experiential survey of patients and carers

The frontotemporal lobar degenerations (FTLDs) constitute one form of neurodegenerative dementia, which presents with behavioural or linguistic symptoms which often elude precise diagnosis in the early stages of disease, to the frustration of both patients and carers. Based on experiential data from patients and carers seen in both the voluntary care sector (the Alzheimer's Society) and a dedicated Cognitive Function Clinic over periods of 3 to 4 years, a provisional integrated care pathway for FTLDs has been developed which seeks to ensure timely diagnosis and access to appropriate care needs.