Early detection and tracking of inherited frontotemporal dementia
Project 1
This project uses brain scans, blood tests, and smartphone-based tasks to find early signs of inherited frontotemporal dementia in people with C9orf72, GRN, or MAPT genetic changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198467 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have regular brain MRI scans and blood draws to measure markers like Neurofilament Light Chain, along with remote smartphone tests that measure thinking and everyday function. The team combines these imaging, fluid, and digital measures into personalized models to track where someone is on the path toward symptoms. The work includes people who carry known FTLD mutations both before they have symptoms and in early symptomatic stages. The goal is to make trials smaller and faster by identifying the best markers and timing for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who carry pathogenic mutations in C9orf72, GRN, or MAPT, including relatives who are currently asymptomatic or have very early symptoms.
Not a fit: People without a known familial FTLD mutation or those with other types of dementia are unlikely to directly benefit from this mutation-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier diagnosis and better-targeted clinical trials so effective treatments reach patients sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Prior ALLFTD work already showed that MRI gray matter volumes and blood NfL are promising markers and developed smartphone tests, but these measures still need further validation and refinement.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, Howard J — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Rosen, Howard J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.