The Neurochemical Mechanism of Semantic Cognition in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Project Description

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common form for individuals 65 years and younger characterised by progressive focal neurodegeneration in frontal and temporal lobe. Although FTD are highly variable, they share many behavioural, cognitive and physiological features, which arise from common deficits of major neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate. Yet, there is a shortage of research to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and there is no standard pharmacological intervention for the treatment of FTD. GABA and glutamate are major neurotransmitters in the brain, which play a key role in shaping cognitive functions. Therefore, it is paramount to understand the neurotransmitter systems in the FTD and then to use this knowledge to improve pharmacological treatments and clinical management in the FTD.

The aim of this award is to use cutting-edge methodologies – multimodal imaging (structural, functional, and neurochemical imaging) and brain stimulation to make significant and fundamental advances in early diagnosis as well as laying the essential foundations for future therapeutic interventions to prevent or mitigate FTD.

The research will include two work packages in which we will look at:

1. GABA and glutamate alterations in FTD contributing to behavioural and cognitive impairments.

2. The effects of a novel, non-invasive brain stimulation technique – transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) – as a potential therapeutic tool for enhancing memory and language functions.

This research will contribute to knowledge of the neurotransmitter system as potential imaging biomarkers in early diagnosis of FTD and the application of brain stimulation as a potential therapeutic tool for FTD – the development of evidence-based brain stimulation treatment.