Resolution 1020, introduced by Representative Tammy West, designates the week of September 21 to September 28, 2025, as Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week in Oklahoma. The resolution highlights the significance of raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that primarily affects individuals aged 45 to 64 and is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. It emphasizes the challenges faced by those with FTD, including behavioral changes, language difficulties, and the emotional impact on families, as well as the substantial economic burden it places on affected families.
The resolution calls for increased public awareness regarding the symptoms and consequences of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed FTD, as well as the urgent need for appropriate care and support for individuals living with the condition. It also underscores the importance of funding research aimed at developing treatments and ultimately finding a cure for FTD. By recognizing this week, the Oklahoma House of Representatives aims to improve brain health and support efforts to enhance care options for those affected by this debilitating disease.