Investigating brain activity changes in Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS
Official title: Cortical hyperexcitability in FTD and ALS: Exploring physiological biomarkers
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10887882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain activity might help us spot early signs of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, especially in family members of those already affected, using special brain scans to better understand these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $459,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081925-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of C9orf72- or GRN-related Frontotemporal Dementia, as well as asymptomatic carriers of these genetic mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a family history of Frontotemporal Dementia or those not carrying the C9orf72 or GRN mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how changes in brain activity, specifically cortical hyperexcitability, relate to Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It aims to identify physiological biomarkers that could indicate early signs of these conditions, particularly in family members of affected individuals. By using advanced imaging techniques like resting-state functional MRI, the study seeks to understand the relationship between brain network function and the presence of these biomarkers. This could help in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using physiological biomarkers for ALS, but this specific approach in FTD and asymptomatic carriers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickerson, Bradford C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dickerson, Bradford C
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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.