Using MRI to identify and monitor types of frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Official title: Imaging Iron-Rich Pathology to Monitor and Diagnose FLTD Subtypes
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11019831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a brain disease called frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) to find better ways to diagnose and track its progress using special MRI scans that can see iron in the brain, helping doctors provide more accurate care for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $358,313 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080734-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration or those exhibiting symptoms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to frontotemporal lobar degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a serious neurodegenerative disease. It aims to develop new imaging biomarkers using iron-sensitive MRI to better diagnose and monitor the progression of FTLD subtypes, specifically FTLD-tau and FTLD-TDP. By examining the unique patterns of iron-rich pathology in the brain, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with this condition. The research involves analyzing brain tissue samples from patients to correlate MRI findings with underlying disease characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better monitoring of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, ultimately improving patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI techniques to study neurodegenerative diseases, but this specific approach targeting iron-rich pathology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tisdall, Matthew Dylan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Tisdall, Matthew Dylan
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.