Neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers predicting conversion in presymptomatic mutation carriers of genetic frontotemporal dementia

Project summary

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is characterized by changes in behavior and language. In 30% of the cases, FTD is caused by a hereditary defect. Family members of patients with this hereditary disorder therefore have a 50% chance of developing FTD.
This project will examine the healthy family members of patients for changes in blood and brain fluid, on MRI scans and in cognitive tests to identify new biomarkers that can help to predict who will develop FTD later in life.

Based on this research the disease can be better diagnosed and a more reliable prediction can be made about the onset of the disease. In addition to an important contribution to better diagnostics, this knowledge also contributes to drug research (trials) and future treatments.