The birth and early evolution of the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) concept.

An historical overview of the development of the concept of frontotemporal dementia is presented, regarding the last 30 years, using as a backbone the conferences held on this theme, with a start in 1986 in Lund, Sweden. Since then, a dramatic increase in research activities and publications has rapidly expanded our knowledge in this field, a step necessary for the ultimate goal to find an effective treatment of this devastating disorder.