Neurodevelopmental consequences of mutations associated with frontotemporal dementia

Takeaway

• Young adults with MAPT, C9orf72, and GRN mutations exhibit early changes in brain structure and function, nearly 30 years prior to expected symptom onset.

Why this matters

• Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia can proceed clinical diagnosis by decades. Recently, differences in brain structure have been observed in pre-symptomatic, genetic mutation carriers and non-carriers.

• These results will shed light on neurodevelopmental changes that may contribute to pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia, and inform future clinical trial designs.