Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research into causes of fronto-temporal dementia

The study brought together a large international group of genetic scientists in order to collect over 500 well-described cases of FTD that they compared with over 2,000 normal controls of same age and gender distribution.

 

There are over 15,000 people under the age of 65 with dementia in the UK. FTD is the second most common form of early onset dementia.

 

 

'A gene causing fronto-temporal dementia in some families was identified for the first time last year. This huge new study involving scientists from across the world has revealed two further genes with variants that increase the risk of this devastating condition.

 

This is very exciting news as finding out what the proteins produced by these genes do could help us understand the processes that cause the condition, leading us closer to finding a treatment or even a cure.

 

A million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years yet research is desperately under-funded. We must act now.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

 

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Reference: Van Deerlin VM, Sleiman PMA, Martinez-Lage M et al. Common variants at 7p21 are associated with fronto-temporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions.  Nature Genetics. Published online 14 February 2010.

 

Notes to editors

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk