Cortical Dendritic Changes in Mouse Models of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a pre-senile dementia that is characterized by rapid, progressive neural deterioration and atrophy in the frontal lobe. As the disease progresses, the deterioration eventually advances to the temporal lobe as well. Nearly 20% of all pre-senile dementia cases are reported as frontotemporal dementia, making FTD second only to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in prevalence. However, as with AD, FTD still has no curative treatment. This has made FTD a target of much research as of late, and of particular interest are the histological pathologies and the associated changes in behavior and mental health of patients suffering from FTD.