Understanding how empathy loss occurs in frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Empathy Loss in Frontotemporal Dementia
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11080974 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the brain affect empathy in people with frontotemporal dementia, using mice to understand the problem better, with the hope of finding ways to help improve emotional and social connections for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $651,329 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087537-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080974 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, particularly those exhibiting the behavioral variant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind empathy loss in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly focusing on the behavioral variant (bvFTD). The study utilizes a mouse model to explore how genetic mutations affect brain function and lead to changes in emotional responses and social behavior. By examining the excitability of neurons in specific brain regions, the researchers aim to uncover the biological basis for the loss of empathy in affected individuals. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving emotional and social functioning in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help restore empathy and improve social interactions for patients with frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While research on empathy loss in dementia is ongoing, this specific approach using a genetic mouse model is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Wei-Dong — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Wei-Dong
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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.