A new blood test may help identify frontal lobe dementia (FTD). This type of dementia is second to Alzheimer’s as the form of dementia that occurs most in patients younger than 65. It is also very near and dear to my heart, since this is the type of dementia that took my mother several years ago.
Genetic research has shown that there is a genetic defect in chromosome 17 in a large percentage of patients with FTD. There are two genes in this chromosome that, if defective, can cause an inheritable form of FTD. It has to do with a protein in the brain, called progranulin. People with the defect produce only half the normal amount of this protein. With a simple blood test, someone can now know if they have an increased risk for FTD long before symptoms appear.
Unfortunately, the cure factor has not yet been discovered. Further research is needed to figure out how the shortage of progranulin can be restored to normal levels. But, it’s a great start to moving towards a cure! Read more…
Posted by Carrie Pollare
Source: psychcentral.com
Tags: Alzheimer's bracelets, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's jewelry, Frontal Lobe Dementia
