Table 1.

Suggested Role Implementation for the APN Working with Patients with FTD and Their Families

Patient/Client	Participate in the diagnostic evaluation via interviews with family members about symptoms, progression, and challenges. Problem-solve regarding issues such as obtaining appropriate diagnosis, management of behavioral and language changes, advances in treatment, and strategies to maintain emotional and physical safety for both the patient and family caregiver. Connect families with appropriate resources, e.g., attorneys, social workers, care providers for FTD patients, and counselors/therapists for family caregivers. Liaison with assisted living, nursing home, and day programs to aid in smooth transitions for patients and families. Foster education and support for family caregivers by the facilitation of support groups, educational classes, and conferences. Create and maintain an up-to-date collection of written, electronic, and video educational resources. Ensure access to education for long-distance caregivers through the use of web-based information, video, and conference calling.
Nursing Personnel	Provide lectures and clinical preceptorships in FTD for nursing students in health care. Provide education and consultation for nurses working in care delivery sites with FTD patients.
Organization/Network	Design and implement research focused on FTD and caregiving. Promote clinical and research-driven publications on FTD and caregiving. Present abstracts, posters, and lectures at dementia-related conferences. Coordinate an FTD clinical and/or research program. Collaborate with other clinical and/or research practices with expertise in FTD. Direct staff training, program development, and quality improvement initiatives. Raise public awareness through the design and implementation of education on FTD. Participate in consensus conferences and publications regarding FTD. Maintain positions on advisory boards and councils focused on FTD.