Identifying retinal biomarkers for different types of frontotemporal degeneration and nonamnestic Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Human Retinal Imaging Biomarkers for FTLD-Tau in Relation to FTLD-TDP and Nonamnestic AD
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10738848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special eye scans can help doctors spot differences between types of frontotemporal degeneration and a form of Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of improving treatment and understanding of these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,126,420 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG083774-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration or nonamnestic Alzheimer's disease, particularly those under 65 years of age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases not related to frontotemporal degeneration or nonamnestic Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of retinal imaging to identify specific biomarkers that can differentiate between various forms of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and nonamnestic Alzheimer's disease (naAD). By employing advanced optical coherence tomography (OCT), the study aims to detect abnormalities in retinal images that correlate with the underlying proteinopathies associated with these conditions. The goal is to enhance the ability to predict clinical outcomes and facilitate the development of targeted therapies. Patients will undergo retinal imaging assessments as part of this interdisciplinary approach to better understand the disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for patients with frontotemporal degeneration and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using retinal imaging to identify biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Benjamin J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kim, Benjamin 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.