Middle-aged individuals are often overlooked when it comes to dementia diagnosis, as the condition typically affects older people. However, researchers at UC San Francisco have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to new diagnostics and treatments for frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
A team of scientists analyzed spinal tap fluid from 116 patients with inherited FTD and compared it to samples from their healthy relatives. The study found changes in the protein composition of these patients, which suggest problems with RNA regulation and brain connectivity.
According to Dr. Rowan Saloner, a leading expert on FTD, “FTD affects people in the prime of their lives, stripping them of their independence.” However, diagnosing FTD in living patients remains challenging due to the lack of specific markers.
The researchers believe that identifying these protein changes could be a key step towards early diagnosis and treatment. By using this approach, they aim to direct patients to the right resources and clinical trials, ultimately providing them with precision treatments.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-middle-aged-folks-dementia-proteins.html