Understanding brain circuits involved in thinking for patients with frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Histopathologic interrogation of laminar microcircuits underlying cognition in frontotemporal dementia
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11013916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how frontotemporal dementia affects the brain to help find better ways to diagnose and treat the condition, so people with FTD can get the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $127,305 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG081484-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia or those exhibiting symptoms related to cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to frontotemporal dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specific brain circuits that are affected in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition that leads to difficulties in social cognition, language, and executive function. By examining the loss of certain neurons and the pathways they connect, the study aims to develop better diagnostic tools and potential treatments for FTD. The research utilizes advanced techniques to analyze brain tissue from patients, focusing on the unique patterns of neuron degeneration associated with different types of FTD. This approach may help clarify the relationship between brain structure and cognitive function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for patients with frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain pathology in dementia, but this specific approach focusing on laminar microcircuits in FTD is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ohm, Daniel Timothy — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ohm, Daniel Timothy
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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.