Investigating frontotemporal dementia in rhesus macaques
Official title: Frontotemporal dementia in rhesus macaques
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11079661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at monkeys with a gene linked to frontotemporal dementia to find out when the disease starts and how it changes over time, which could help us create ways to prevent it in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,849 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals at risk for frontotemporal dementia, particularly those with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to frontotemporal dementia or those with other types of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by studying rhesus macaques that carry a specific genetic mutation linked to the disease. The researchers aim to identify the earliest biomarkers of FTD and track their development over time, particularly during critical growth phases in the animals. By observing these macaques, the study seeks to uncover when neurodegeneration begins, which could help in developing preventive therapies for humans. The research will involve longitudinal assessments of the macaques to gather data on the progression of FTD-related changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and prevention strategies for frontotemporal dementia in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While research on frontotemporal dementia is ongoing, this specific approach using nonhuman primates to study early biomarkers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Emborg, Marina — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Emborg, Marina
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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.