Understanding the brain changes in frontotemporal dementia

Clinical, Neuroanatomic, and Pathologic Signatures of FTLD-tau in Dementia Phenotypes

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10772190

This study is looking at how frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) affects the brain and causes different types of dementia, especially in people under 65, to help us understand the disease better and find ways to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10772190 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a type of neurodegenerative disease that leads to various dementia syndromes, particularly in individuals under 65. By examining postmortem brain specimens, the study aims to clarify the relationship between specific dementia symptoms and the underlying brain pathology associated with FTLD-tau. The research focuses on identifying the anatomical and cellular changes in the brain that correspond to different forms of FTLD, such as Pick's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. This work could enhance our understanding of how these diseases manifest and progress, potentially leading to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia or related syndromes, particularly those under the age of 65.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to FTLD-tau may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with frontotemporal dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative diseases through postmortem analysis, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.