Understanding autonomic issues in Frontotemporal Dementia
Official title: Characterizing autonomic impairments in Frontotemporal Dementia
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10951093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with the nervous system affect people with behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) and how these issues relate to their emotions and social interactions, using wearable devices to track heart rate and skin responses both in the lab and at home.
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 | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $208,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG088872-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairments unrelated to autonomic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how autonomic dysfunction affects patients with behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD), focusing on the relationship between these impairments and socioemotional deficits. The study will utilize advanced wearable technologies to measure autonomic function, such as heart-rate variability and electrodermal activity, both in a controlled lab setting and in patients' homes. By comparing these measurements in bvFTD patients and matched controls, the research aims to establish reliable methods for assessing autonomic function and its implications for patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of autonomic dysfunction in bvFTD, potentially improving patient care and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable technologies for monitoring autonomic function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eldaief, Mark Christian — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Eldaief, Mark Christian
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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.