Swiss FTD Network: Advancing Interdisciplinary Exchange on Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) presents unique diagnostic challenges for neurologists, psychiatrists, and geriatric specialists. In this interview, Prof. Marc Sollberger, neurologist and founder of the Swiss FTD Network, explains how the network brings together experts in Switzerland to foster interdisciplinary exchange, improve diagnosis, and advance both research and patient care in FTD.
The origins of the Swiss FTD Network in Switzerland
Flavia: What was your motivation for founding the FTD Network?
Marc: The basic idea was to create a space for exchange for medical and non-medical professionals across Switzerland who deal with FTD and related syndromes. I run the network entirely on my own, and it emerged from the need to connect professionals working with the broad spectrum of frontotemporal dementia. On a national level, there was no comparable offering. There are individual events and international FTD meetings, but no national platform that enables this interdisciplinary exchange. That’s the gap we wanted to fill. There is also no national FTD-specific professional society in Switzerland.
Marc emphasizes that the network was entirely self-initiated, emerging from a practical need rather than institutional funding or sponsorship. This bottom-up approach allows members to shape the discussions and prioritize topics relevant to their daily practice.
How the Swiss FTD Network facilitates interdisciplinary exchange
Flavia: Can you explain how the network functions and how you communicate?
Marc: Unlike traditional webinars where topics are predetermined, members of our network suggest cases, projects, or research topics. In plenary sessions, we decide collectively which subjects will be addressed next. Young colleagues can ask questions or present cases without hierarchy being a barrier. If no one makes suggestions, I choose the topics, but that is rather rare. The network meets virtually every six months for 1.5 hours. Between meetings, slides, papers, and updates are shared via email, so even members who rarely attend still benefit from the discussions.
This flexible approach ensures that the network remains dynamic, inclusive and focused on real-world needs. Members are encouraged to actively contribute, but even passive participants gain insights and educational value.
Flavia: Which topics covers the network?
Marc: We cover a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, from behavioural and language variants of FTD to FTD-related syndroms including corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Who participates in the Swiss FTD Network and which disciplines are represented
Flavia: Who is the network particularly suitable for?
Marc: The network is particularly suitable for all medical and non-medical professionals who deal with FTD. We emphasize national networking and interdisciplinarity. The members come from all linguistic regions of Switzerland, which is great. English is therefore the common language accessible to all, although presentations may also be given in German, French or Italian.
Currently, the network includes over 80 members. The structure is well-balanced: neurologists, neuropsychologists, old-age psychiatrists, geriatricians, neuroradiologists, social workers and nurses. Its success relies not on formal advertising, but on word-of-mouth within professional circles, making it a recognized and established community in Switzerland.
Challenges in diagnosing frontotemporal dementia
Flavia: Can you briefly explain why this exchange is so important and why early diagnosis of FTD is so difficult?
Marc: FTD syndromes include a broad spectrum of related disorders. The main distinction is between the language variant and the behavioral variant, the latter being more common. One of the biggest challenges is that early stages are often misinterpreted as psychiatric disorders or vice versa. FTD is rare and knowledge among physicians is limited, which increases the risk of misdiagnosis. FTD lies at the interface of psychiatry and neurology, so interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial. It often occurs relatively early in life, frequently in working-age adults. Behavioral changes are more likely attributed to depression, burnout, or other psychiatric causes. In contrast to Alzheimer’s disease, there are no reliable biomarkers for a clear diagnosis.
Additional challenges include:
- Early onset: FTD often affects working-age adults, so symptoms like behavioral changes may be attributed to burnout or depression.
- Lack of biomarkers: Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, there are no reliable biomarkers to confirm diagnosis early.
- Interdisciplinary complexity: FTD sits at the intersection of psychiatry and neurology, making collaboration between specialists essential.
Interdisciplinary exchange for FTD diagnosis and care
Flavia: Why is interdisciplinary exchange crucial for the diagnosis and care of FTD?Marc: Interdisciplinary exchange is key because early and accurate diagnosis requires insights from both neurology and psychiatry. Through case discussions, members can share experiences and learn from one another. This reduces the risk of misdiagnoses and ensures that patients receive appropriate care. Correct diagnosis is critical—not only for clinical management, but also for prognosis and supporting families.
By fostering exchange, the network helps professionals navigate the complexities of FTD while simultaneously promoting educational and research opportunities.
The long-term goal of the network
Flavia: What are your long-term objectives for the network?
Marc: Our goals extend beyond knowledge sharing. The network also supports research initiatives, including observational and multicenter studies. Small centers, which might otherwise be overlooked in large congresses, can present projects and engage participants. Over time, we aim to enhance the understanding of FTD, improve diagnosis and patient care, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across Switzerland.
The network thus serves a dual role: it is both an educational platform and a facilitator for scientific advancement, enabling a broad range of professionals to contribute to research and clinical best practices.
Key Takeaways
- The Swiss FTD Network fills a national gap for interdisciplinary exchange on frontotemporal dementia.
- Members actively shape the topics, ensuring discussions remain clinically relevant.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration improves early diagnosis and reduces misinterpretation of behavioral or psychiatric symptoms.
- The network supports research initiatives, particularly by involving small or emerging centers.
- Knowledge sharing ultimately benefits both patients and families by promoting accurate diagnosis and informed care strategies.
Professionals interested in FTD are invited to join the Swiss FTD Network to access virtual meetings, case discussions and research collaborations. By participating, members contribute to a stronger, more informed community addressing the challenges of frontotemporal dementia in Switzerland and beyond.
