The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias (AFTD) announced today the recipients of their third annual research award, Frontotemporal Dementia Drug Discovery Program. The goal of the program is to accelerate the development of novel therapies for frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The program will provide a total of $1,200,000 in research grants over four years.
The ADDF/AFTD program awarded $300,000 to three academic scientists on the cutting edge of research for FTD. The award winners are: Philip Van Damme, MD, Ph.D., VIB, Leuven University (Belgium); Einar M. Sigurdsson, Ph.D., New York University School of Medicine; and W. Haung Yu, Ph.D., The Taub Institute of Columbia University Medical Center. An independent panel of 13 experts from the ADDF's Scientific Review Board and AFTD's Medical Advisory Council evaluated 16 applications submitted from around the world.
"There is great potential for results from these projects to have applications to a broad array of neurodegenerative diseases in addition to AD and FTD," said Howard Fillit, MD, the ADDF Executive Director. "This underscores the mutual benefit of partnering with AFTD in drug research."
FTD is a devastating form of dementia characterized by profound changes in behavior, personality, language and movement. Indeed, it is the second most common cause of dementia under the age of 60 years, most frequently having its onset between the ages of 40 and 65. As with Alzheimer's disease, there are no drugs to treat, prevent or cure FTD.
"As new information is gathered on the underlying causes of FTD, more potential avenues for treatment are revealed," said Phil Lovett, AFTD Board member and Research Liaison. "This year's recipients are all engaged in the type of research that offers both caregivers and patients the optimism they need to face the challenges of living with FTD. We are proud to be partnering with the ADDF to support their work and the hope it brings to those suffering from this terrible disease."
Genetic analysis shows smoking and high BMI increase dementia risk, but education and exercise protect