Diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Official title: Multimodal Assessment for Predicting Specific Pathological Substrate in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT02964637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing different ways to diagnose frontotemporal lobar degeneration to help doctors identify the condition more accurately.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 2015 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02964637 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with specific FTLD syndromes such as behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and others, along with a reliable study partner.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions that can explain their symptoms, such as Alzheimer's disease or other neurological disorders, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to establish effective diagnostic tools for accurately diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) syndromes. It evaluates various diagnostic tests, including brain imaging, skin biopsies, body fluid samples, cognitive assessments, and everyday functioning evaluations. The findings are intended to enhance understanding of the disease mechanisms and improve diagnostic accuracy, potentially guiding future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, improving patient management and treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is focused on establishing diagnostic tools, similar studies have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant must have a reliable study partner who can provide an independent evaluation of functioning. * Able to read, understand and speak English for neuropsychological testing. * All subjects must meet one of these diagnostic criteria (A) probable behavioral variant FTD, (B) MRI-supported non-fluent variant PPA; (C) MRI-supported semantic variant PPA and \[18F\]T807 negative (D) probable CBS: using current criteria for CBS(27); (E) PSP: inclusion criteria for PSP are based upon the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Society of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (NINDS-SPSP) (F) FTD-MND * Control subjects must have a normal neurological exam, a CDR sum of boxes = 0, and MMSE score equal to or greater than 28 Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with clinical, imaging or CSF A beta/ tau profile consistent with AD * History of traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, stroke or other neurological or psychiatric disorders that can explain symptoms will be excluded. * Premenopausal women will be asked to consent to a pregnancy test prior to each scan as pregnant women will be excluded from study because of potential harm to fetus from PET study. * Presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body.
Where it's running
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Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria C Tartaglia, M.D. — Toronto Western Hospital, UHN; Tanz CRND
- Study coordinator: Cristina Salvo, BSc, MD
- Email: cristina.salvo@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-507-6880
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.