Specialist diagnostic review is often the first cost episode
FTD can be mistaken for a psychiatric illness or another dementia. A dedicated clinic may first review the behavioral/language history, neurological and psychiatric findings, cognitive testing and existing imaging before deciding whether additional investigations are justified.
- FTD/memory-clinic consultation
- Neurological and neuropsychiatric assessment
- FTD-specific neuropsychological testing
- Review of MRI/CT and prior reports
- Family/caregiver collateral history
- Follow-up consultation with the diagnostic plan
MRI, CSF and PET can be separate diagnostic costs
Bonn lists MRI, CSF and PET as available parts of its FTD work-up. They are not automatically necessary in every case. Ask which studies are already sufficient and which additional test is expected to change the differential diagnosis.
Genetic counseling and testing should be quoted separately
A family history of FTD, ALS/motor-neuron disease or early-onset dementia can lead to formal genetic counseling and selected molecular testing. Predictive testing of unaffected relatives requires a different counseling pathway from diagnostic testing of an affected patient, so the center should clarify the scope before providing an estimate.
Long-term symptom care extends beyond the diagnostic visit
Behavioral medication review, speech-language therapy, swallowing assessment, movement-disorder care, occupational support and social-medical counseling can continue over time. International patients should budget these as longitudinal needs rather than assuming a short German visit covers the full disease course.
Research participation should not be included as guaranteed treatment
Bonn and Charité offer research opportunities for selected FTD patients. Study-related tests or visits may follow a separate funding model, but enrollment is never guaranteed and experimental therapy should not be represented as an established paid treatment package.
Send the records before asking for a quotation
A center can estimate the likely pathway more accurately if it knows whether the main question is diagnostic clarification, genetics or symptom management.
- Specialist reports and neuropsychology
- MRI/CT images and reports
- PET/CSF results if already available
- Speech-language assessment when relevant
- Medication history
- Family history and prior genetic testing
- A short timeline of behavioral/language progression
- The specific reason for the German second opinion
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-09-01. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.