In a deeply moving series for Next Avenue, Dan Browning chronicled his family’s experience coping with his wife’s frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Through 14 blog entries, he explains the shock of Liz’s diagnosis at age 53 after exhibiting strange behavior, chronicles the search for treatment, shows the impact on his children, and tells how he made morally wrenching choices about his wife’s health and fate. Along the way, Dan offers in-depth reporting about FTD and a host of caregiving issues; he is a full-time health reporter for Minneapolis’ Star Tribune. Beyond the news, Dan provided encouragement, hope and an honest look at what the disease does to those who suffer from it and those who care for them. FTD ultimately took Liz’s life, and Dan wrote eloquently about that loss. His story is one of compassion, action and family resilience in the face of a terrible disease. Next Avenue published the blog as a special report, adding resources, video and links to additional stories to provide a deeper understanding of early-onset dementia and its impact on families.
