Is ALS/FTD neuropsychologically distinct from FTD?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of the cognitive and behavioural characteristics of frontotemporal dementia with and without accompanying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis /motor neuron disease
IRAS ID
147587
Contact name
Jennifer Adams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),also known as motor neuron disease,is a physically disabling neurodegenerative condition. It is now recognised that some people with ALS also develop a form of dementia known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), characterised by altered behaviour, language, reasoning and judgement. The dementia has considerable practical impact on patients and adds to caregiver burden. Nevertheless, not all people with ALS develop FTD, nor do all with FTD develop ALS. It is not clear what factors determine vulnerability, nor whether the dementia characteristics in people with combined ALS and FTD (ALS/FTD)are truly identical to those with FTD without ALS. The purpose of the study is to improve understanding of the relationship between ALS and FTD by a systematic comparison of the cognitive and behavioural changes in people with ALS/FTD and with FTD alone. Patients will undergo a series of short tasks that tap a range of skills thought to be dependent on the workings of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These include the ability to recognise emotions, to draw inferences about people's thoughts and intentions, to concentrate, organise actions and to understand and produce language. Patients and their carers will be asked about alterations in behaviour and emotions. The direct comparison of findings in ALS/FTD and FTD will allow us to determine whether the precise nature of the dementia in the two is the same. It will add to understanding of the relationship between ALS and FTD and offer the opportunity to improve early clinical recognition of ALS/FTD. In the longer term, the findings may have relevance for future treatment studies. There is good evidence that FTD has different underlying causes, so it will be necessary for future treatments to be targeted appropriately.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1185
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion