ALLFTD
ARTFL-LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Purpose
ALLFTD (ARTFL-LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration) is a multicenter study aimed at clarifying the changes in brain function that result from Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) syndromes. This study is an extension of two earlier projects, now combined into the largest study on these disorders in the U.S. The purpose of ALLFTD is to understand brain syndromes associated with the deposition of certain abnormal proteins in the frontal lobes and related structures. These syndromes include behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome. All persons with these syndromes are eligible for participation in this study. ALLFTD is composed of two parts. The first and main part is a longitudinal evaluation of the brain changes associated with these FTLD syndromes. Participants undergo clinical and neurological examinations, blood studies, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main evaluation is at the beginning with yearly visits thereafter. The second is a biofluid study that involves a one-time visit for measuring biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Ultimately, ALLFTD hopes to understand the FTLD syndromes sufficiently to lead to drug trials and other interventions.
More information on ALLFTD is available at https://www.allftd.org/sites.
(PI: Mario Mendez, MD, PhD)
Contact: Alexander Sheppard by email at ASheppard@mednet.ucla.edu or Diana Chavez at dianachavez@mednet.ucla.edu to participate or for more information.