FTD Walk for Hope 5K

Raising Awareness and Funds for Frontotemporal Degeneration

We are excited to announce the FTD Walk for Hope 5K, a community event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), a devastating brain disorder that affects behavior, language, and personality. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, FTD often strikes people in their 40's to 60's, leading to profound changes in relationships, work, and independence. There is currently no cure, and increased awareness and research funding are crucial.

Our walk supports the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

The FTD Walk for Hope 5K mission is to unite the community and honor those affected by FTD. All proceeds from this event will be donated to support The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's (AFTD) mission. Funds will be designated 50% towards AFTD's FTD Research efforts and 50% towards AFTD's Comstock Grants, which provides financial assistance to families affected by FTD. Any unspent California-designated funds as of June 30, 2026, will be redirected to support individuals diagnosed with FTD or their caregivers in other states. Together, we can bring hope to families and move on step closer to a future free of FTD.”

Details for the FTD Walk for Hope 5K:

• Event date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
• Registration check-in will open at 9:00 AM
• Program will begin at 9:30 AM with a Welcome Address followed by the 5K fun walk

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference. Together, we can bring hope to families and move one step closer to a future free of FTD. 

🧠 What Is FTD?
FTD refers to several related conditions that affect the front (frontal) and side (temporal) regions of the brain. Over time, nerve cells in these areas degenerate, leading to changes in behavior, personality, communication, and sometimes movement.  The symptoms of FTD can look very different from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

 
🔍 Major Types

Behavioral Variant FTD (bvFTD)

Affects personality and social behavior first.
Common signs: loss of empathy, poor judgment, impulsivity, apathy, or socially inappropriate behavior.

FTD/ALS

In 2011, a variant gene was identified a the most common cause of both genetic FTD and genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).  FTD and ALS can occur in the same person, a clinical subtype known as FTD-ALS.  In persons with FTD-ALS, symptoms of one of the FTD disorders9usually behavioral variant FTD) are first to appear. Motor symptoms that are more typically associated with ALS - difficulty walking, swallowing, and/or using ones hands- develop later.    

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)

PSP affects movements and symptoms are stiffness in the axial muscles, the neck and trunk, along with poor balance and more frequent falls. The earliest visual signs are a decrease in upward vertical movement of the eyes and a progressive inability to move the eyes, including opening or closing the eyes. PSP can also affect coordination and movement of the mouth, tongue and throat.  People with PSP may also exhibit changes in behavior and language skills common to the behavioral variant (BV) of FTD and PPA.  

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

Affects language and communication.
Subtypes include:

Semantic variant:

Trouble understanding or naming objects.
Non-fluent/agrammatic variant: difficulty speaking or forming sentences.

⚠️ Common Symptoms
Personality changes or loss of inhibition
Lack of empathy or emotional warmth
Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
Difficulty with language (speaking, reading, or understanding)
Poor decision-making
Changes in eating habits
Movement difficulties in some cases
 
⏱️ Who It Affects
FTD typically appears between ages 45–65, though it can occur earlier or later.
It’s one of the most common dementias in people under 60.
It can run in families — about 30–40% of cases are hereditary.
 
🔬 Causes & Diagnosis
Caused by the abnormal buildup of proteins (like tau or TDP-43) in brain cells, leading to cell death.
Diagnosed through neurological exams, MRI or PET scans, neuropsychological testing, and sometimes genetic testing.
Because symptoms differ from memory-based dementias, FTD is often misdiagnosed as depression, bipolar disorder, or Alzheimer’s at first.
 
❤️ Treatment & Support
Currently, no cure exists for FTD.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting quality of life.

 
🌟 Organizations & Resources
AFTD (The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration) – theaftd.org
Offers education, research funding, and support for families and caregivers.
 
 

For more information about FTD click here: https://www.theaftd.org/what-is-ftd/disease-overview/

AFTD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by FTD and drive research to a cure. We work every day to advance:

• Research. We promote and fund research toward diagnosis, treatment and a cure.
• Awareness. We stimulate greater public awareness and understanding.
• Support. We provide information and support to those directly impacted.
• Education. We promote and provide education for healthcare professionals.
• Advocacy. We advocate for research and appropriate, affordable services.

For more information about AFTD click here: https://www.theaftd.org/about-us/mission-statement/

What is the FTD Walk for Hope 5K?
The FTD Walk for Hope 5K is a community fun walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds for AFTD — the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. The event brings together families, friends, and supporters to honor those affected by FTD, celebrate hope, and support research toward a cure.

 
What is FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration)?
FTD is a form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain — areas responsible for behavior, personality, language, and movement. It is the most common dementia for people under 60. This walk helps spread awareness and raises critical funds for research and family support programs.

 
When and where will the walk take place?
📅 Date: April 11th, 2026
📍 Location: Maidu Park, 1550 Maidu Dr. Roseville CA 95661
🕙 Start Time: 9:00 AM registration check-in opens/ 9:30 AM program begins 

Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome! Walkers of all ages and abilities can join — whether you walk, jog, roll, or cheer from the sidelines. Families, friends, and teams walking in honor or memory of loved ones are especially encouraged to participate.

Is there a registration fee?
Yes, registration fees help cover event costs and support AFTD’s mission.

Adults: $38.10
Child (under 10): $16.90
All proceeds directly support the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s mission of awareness, research, and family support.
 

Can I donate even if I can’t attend?
Yes! You can make a donation through our website or support a registered participant or team. Every dollar helps fund research, advocacy, and resources for families living with FTD.

 
Are donations tax-deductible?
All contributions directly to AFTD are tax-deductible as allowed by law. 

 
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle (water will be available)
Sunscreen and hat
Your enthusiasm and team spirit!
Event shirts and snacks will be provided at check-in
 
Is the event family and pet friendly?
Yes! We welcome families, strollers, and well-behaved dogs on leashes. We aim to make this a fun, inclusive, and supportive experience for everyone.

 
Can businesses sponsor the event?
Yes, and we welcome it! Sponsorships help us maximize the impact of this event. Sponsors receive recognition on event signage, T-shirts, and our website. Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page or contact FTDwalkforhope5K@gmail.com to learn more.

 
How will the funds be used?
Proceeds from the FTD Walk for Hope 5K support AFTD’s mission to:

• Advance research toward a cure
• Provide education and resources for families
• Raise awareness within the community
• Offer hope and support to those affected by FTD
   

How can I get more involved?

You can:

• Volunteer at the event
• Become a sponsor Spread the word by sharing our event on social media
• Contact FTDwalkforhope5K@gmail.com  to learn how you can help!

STILL HAVE A QUESTION? PLEASE EMAIL:   FTDwalkforhope5K@gmail.com