Welcome to the MGH FTD Unit
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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), and related disorders.
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.
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.
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.
If you would like to discuss the possibility of scheduling an evaluation in our clinic with Dr. Dickerson or Dr.
Domoto-Reilly, call Brianna O'Connell at 617-726-1728. If you are a patient who has been seen at the MGH FTD Unit and would
like information on obtaining medical records, click above on the "clinic" link and/or call
Brianna O'Connell at 617-726-1728. For medication related
information, contact Brianna O'Connell.
Our research is generously funded by the National Institute on Aging, the Alzheimer's Association, and private donors.
Thank you very much to everyone who participated in the Diane Carlson Memory Dance on Saturday, March 19, 2011. We greatly appreciate each of your efforts, and especially the dedicated efforts of JoAnne Horigan, Diane's sister, who organized the event. Read more about it here
For further information, contact us at by email at MGHFTDUnit@partners.org or by telephone at 617-726-5571 (ask for Daisy Hochberg).