Brain Support Network

I'm very grateful that everything went smoothly with my husband's brain donation. I am awed by the amount of detailed arranging that Brain Support Network took care of so swiftly.
Vera H.
7/9/25

#braindonation

This booklet reflects the experiences of thousands of people affected by FTD, along with insights from professionals in the field. By taking proactive steps and building a network of support, you can navigate the challenges of FTD with greater confidence and resilience. From @theaftd.bsky.social

Life After an FTD Diagnosis - What You Need to Know

While family and friends are crucial, connecting with others who understand the #FTD journey can be transformative. Grief often evolves as the disease progresses, and having a support system can provide lifelines.

www.theaftd.org/wp-content/u...

Webinar announcement from AFTD, titled 'Talking to Family About Genetic FTD Risk' set for October 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Features speakers Angela Lunde, Ansel Dow, and Wanda Smith. Image displays a family seated around a dining table in a well-lit room, engaged in conversation.

How do you talk to family about the genetic risks of FTD?

On 10/20 at 3 pm, AFTD will host a webinar featuring community members Wanda Smith and Ansel Dow, who will share their experiences. Angela Lunde, from Mayo Clinic, will provide practical tools and strategies. Sign up: https://bit.ly/46TyMUh

“The hardest lesson I had to learn as a caregiver is that I had to change because the person with the disease cannot.”
– Local Support Group Member

#caregiving

10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain

Positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly #Alzheimer's or dementia. Incorporate some or all of these habits into your life to help maintain a healthy brain.

www.alz.org/help-support...

In a magical scene towards the end of 2007 film Ratatouille, notoriously harsh food critic Anton Ego is instantly transported back in time, his childhood memories revived by a spoonful of the film’s eponymous dish. No pictures were needed – just the taste and scent of the food.

Losing your sense of smell? It could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease This sign of neurodegenerative disease often appears much earlier than other symptoms.

Losing your sense of smell? It could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s or #Parkinson’s disease

theconversation.com/losing-your-...

He shared this interesting study of exercise as a "treatment" after colon resection and chemotherapy for colon cancer. Recurrence of cancer is common. About 900 participants were split into an exercise group and a non-exercise group. More of those in the exercise group lived disease-free.

Exercise after Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer | NEJM Quick Take Video Summary from The New England Journal of Medicine — Exercise after Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

We attended a webinar recently with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of "The Parkinson's Plan." Like so many neurologists, it's his belief that exercise is beneficial to those who have a neurological disease (and for those who don't).
www.nejm.org/do/10.1056/N...

On World Mental Health Day, we honor the personal wellness of caregivers, individuals, and families in the Parkinson's community.

Read through over a decade of collected articles about #Parkinson's, caregiving, and mental health: www.brainsupportnetwork.org?s=mental+hea...

This World Mental Health Day, we’re bringing awareness to common non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Around 50% of people with PD will experience a form of depression and up to 40% will experience an anxiety disorder.

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And how we care for our loved ones with cognitive decline is critical. The New Reality gained access to Canada’s first dementia village in Langley, British Columbia and spoke with the founder of the world’s first dementia village in The Netherlands.

YouTube video by Global News Inside Canada's first dementia village

Inside Canada's first dementia village

More than 55 million people worldwide are living with #dementia and that’s expected to double every 20 years.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A39...

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#Donate today: www.brainsupportnetwork.org/donate/

Dementia and Grief - American Brain Foundation Discover how dementia brings unique grief for patients and caregivers and learn ways to cope, heal, and find hope.

In this week’s blog post, we look at the relationship between #grief and #dementia, explore what the brain is doing as people grieve, and suggest ways to help yourself heal from emotional trauma ➡️ buff.ly/qaXx6gK #Carer

People at risk, or potentially at risk, of developing FTD from a genetic mutation shared their perspectives on the potential effects the results of predictive biomarker testing would have on their lives in a recent study from the Netherlands.

People at Potential Risk of Developing FTD Share Views on Effects of Predictive Biomarker Testing | AFTD Predictive biomarker testing specific to FTD is an active area of ongoing research, but it is important to consider the potential impact.

People at Potential Risk of Developing FTD Share Views on Effects of Predictive Biomarker Testing

#FTD

www.theaftd.org/posts/1ftd-i...

In 2024, Miami Dade County had the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in the United States. 'Although there are likely many paths to Alzheimer's disease, cyanobacterial exposures increasingly appear to be a risk factor,' adds Dr. Davis."

Excerpt: "'Since dolphins are considered environmental sentinels for toxic exposures in marine environments,' Dr. David Davis at the Miller School of Medicine explains, 'there are concerns about human health issues associated with cyanobacterial blooms.'

In fact, their new book "The Parkinson's Plan" refers to the story of a disease similar to progressive supranuclear palsy "discovered" by Dr. John Steele on the island of Guam. That neurological disease on Guam was caused by the ingestion of cynaobacteria.

Do stranded dolphins have Alzheimer's disease? One of the most heartbreaking occurrences for nature lovers is to discover a beached marine mammal such as a dolphin or whale. If the animal is still alive, marine biologists assisted by citizen volun...

Interesting article about how dolphins develop a disease like Alzheimer's, perhaps from cynaobacterial blooms. This reminds me of Dr. Okun and Dr. Dorsey's hypothesis that degreasing chemicals such as TCE and pesticides such as paraquat are causing the pandemic of PD.

phys.org/news/2025-10...

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National Support Group for Young Adult Care Partners between the ages of 17-26.

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National Support Group for Young Adult Care Partners between the ages of 24-40.

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National LGTBQIA+ Caregiver Support Group

Promotional graphic for AFTD's National Support Group for Spanish-Speaking Care Partners

AFTD offers national support groups designed to meet the unique needs of our community. Whether you’re a young adult care partner, part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or a Spanish-speaking caregiver, these groups provide a safe space for connection and understanding.

Email info@theaftd.org to sign up!

Please join Mission MSA for their next essential webinar, Autonomic Dysfunction in Multiple System Atrophy, where they’ll take a deep dive into the complex autonomic symptoms present in MSA and discuss practical, evidence-based management strategies.

Mission MSA: Addressing Autonomic Dysfunction in MSA Webinar – Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 12:00pm ET

#multiplesystematrophy

us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

“Asking for help is an act of self-reliance!”
– Local Support Group Member

#caregiving

Expert Tips on How to Get Good Sleep with Parkinson's Discover how Parkinson’s symptoms, medications or other health problems can impact your sleep, and what you can do to maximize slumber.

Expert Tips on How to Get Good Sleep with Parkinson's

Sleep recharges our brains and bodies, while boosting mental wellness. People living with #Parkinson’s disease (PD) need even more time to reset and restore.

www.parkinson.org/blog/researc...

World Multiple System Atrophy Day - An opportunity for the global community to learn more about MSA, share stories, and make donations in support of those affected and to advance research for a cure.

Learn more about #MSA and brain donation: www.brainsupportnetwork.org/education/mu...

#parkinsons