NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating inflammation and iron buildup in frontotemporal dementia

Official title: Glial-mediated Inflammation and Iron Accumulation in Frontotemporal Dementia

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11022104 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how inflammation and iron build-up in the brains of people with frontotemporal dementia might affect their condition, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat it.

More Dementia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startDecember 15, 2024
Project endNovember 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$803,111
NIH project number1R01AG090414-01
Project IDNIH-11022104 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, particularly those under 65 years of age.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the progression of neuroinflammation and iron accumulation in the brains of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). By examining brain tissue from individuals with different types of FTD pathology, the study seeks to understand how these factors contribute to neurodegeneration. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques and detailed cellular analysis to identify patterns that could lead to better diagnostic methods and potential therapies. Patients with FTD may benefit from insights gained about their condition and future treatment options.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for frontotemporal dementia.

How similar studies have gone: While research on frontotemporal dementia is limited, similar studies on neuroinflammation and iron accumulation in other neurodegenerative diseases have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Irwin, David John — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Irwin, David John

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.