Tag Archives: FTD

UCSF Finding Raises Hopes to Use MRI to Predict Disease Progression

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may spread within nerve networks in the brain by moving directly between connected neurons, instead of in other ways proposed by scientists, such as by propagating in all directions, according to researchers who report the finding in the March 22 edition of the journal Neuron. Read more

The new diagnostic criteria for bvFTD and why they matter

For years, the medical and scientific community considered frontotemporal dementia (FTD) a rare disease that could not be distinguished from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) until after a patient’s death. As our technology and understanding have improved, so has our ability to diagnose disease. A correct diagnosis helps not only the patient and family put a name to their experience, but also helps physicians direct treatment and determine research opportunities. Doctors use specific, validated criteria to confirm a suspected diagnosis. Read more

As trialists are retooling in the face of disappointing results in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), researchers in frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) are learning from AD woes and gearing up to take a seat in the front row. This year’s 4th International Conference on Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease, (CTAD), held 3-5 November 2011 in San Diego, California, included a session on preparing for treatment trials in FTD. Presenters made the case that trials in FTD may stand a better chance of succeeding than those in AD. As research has uncovered many molecular pathways common to FTD and related disorders ranging from the common (AD) to the rare amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), any treatments developed for FTD may have broad applications and energize the field of neurodegeneration as a whole. Read more