2013 Grants - Mioshi

Enhancing Activity Participation in Frontotemporal Dementia

Eneida Mioshi, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Neuroscience Research Australia
Randwick, New South Wales, Australia

2013 New Investigator Research Grant

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type of dementia in people younger than 65 years. People with FTD commonly have behavioral symptoms such as apathy. Partly because of such symptoms, providing care for someone affected by FTD may be especially challenging.

Eneida Mioshi, Ph.D., M.Sc. and colleagues have proposed to study the effectiveness of a customized program intended to improve behavioral symptoms in people with FTD. The program, known as the Tailored Activity Program (TAP), involves the use of customized, meaningful activities that match the capabilities of the affected person. Dr. Mioshi and colleagues plan to study how well the TAP program improves behavioral symptoms, as well as whether it reduces the burdens faced by caregivers and improves their coping skills. This initial study will pave the way for larger studies of the TAP program.