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Understanding the Science
AFTD is committed to providing scientific information about the frontotemporal dementias that is up-to-date, accurate, and accessible to a lay population. Each year researchers unravel new information about the genetic and molecular basis of FTD, improving our understanding of theses disorders and pointing toward potential targets for treatment.
While understanding the science will not change the realities of everyday life with FTD, it will provide a broader framework for understanding the diagnoses, help caregivers and patients communicate clearly with their clinician, and clarify the importance of participating in research to accelerate efforts to develop treatments.
The articles below explain key research findings and developments in frontotemporal dementia.
NIH Funds Study of Neuroimaging in FTD
Howard Rosen, M.D, Medical Advisory Council member, wrote an article for the Fall 2009 AFTD newsletter on a study funded recently by the National Institutes of Health that aims to learn more about how to use brain imaging to follow patients with FTD over time. To read the full article and a summary of common imaging techniques
click here.
The Importance of Biomarkers
Dr. Brad Boeve, AFTD Medical Advisory Council Chair, authored an article for the Spring 2009 AFTD newsletter on the importance of biomarkers in FTLD and how these tests become essential to future clinical trials. For the full text of this article and a summary of common imaging techniques click here.
Terminology and Research Overview
In the November 2007 issue of the AFTD newsletter, AFTD Medical Advisory Council Chair, Dr. Brad Boeve, authored an article describing terminology and current research in the field of FTD. For the full text of this article click here.
The Role of TDP-43 in FTD and ALS
In October 2006 scientists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered the disease protein responsible for about 30-40% of cases of frontotemporal dementias (FTDs). The protein is called TDP-43 and is the key to understanding how frontotemporal dementia and ALS are related. For more about TDP-43 and the role it plays in FTD click here.
The Role of the PGRN Gene (progranulin) in Genetic Cases of FTD
In the July 16, 2006 scientific journal Nature two separate groups of researchers reported new gene mutations that appear to be responsible for hereditary FTD in approximately 5% of families with the disease. The gene involved is called PGRN, is located on chromosome 17, and codes for the protein progranulin. To learn more about this finding click here.
The Fall 2006 issue of the AFTD newsletter also offers an overview of these two research findings (TDP-43 and PGRN). Click here to read the full text.
The Use of Memantine in FTD
The April 3, 2003, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine contained an article about the use of the memantine in Alzheimer’s disease. Families may be curious about what role memantine might play in treatment of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). The following information may help you decide whether you ought to pursue it. Click here to read the full text.
