How frontotemporal dementia, the syndrome affecting Bruce Willis, changes the brain – research is untangling its genetic causes

FTD leads to changes in personality and behavior. Understanding its genetic and molecular causes could lead to new ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Fen-Biao Gao, Professor of Neurology, Gov. Paul Cellucci Chair in Neuroscience Research, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
Feb. 22, 2023 • ~8 min

ALS is only 50% genetic – identifying DNA regions affected by lifestyle and environmental risk factors could help pinpoint avenues for treatment

Genetic modifications to DNA regions involved in metabolism, cholesterol and immunity may play a role in ALS disease progression.

Paul J. Hop, PhD candidate in Neurogenetics, Utrecht University • conversation
April 13, 2022 • ~5 min

Research that shines light on how cells recover from threats may lead to new insights into Alzheimer's and ALS

Insight on how a unique protein plays a role in cellular stress responses may provide more clues on how to treat diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's.

Brian Andrew Maxwell, Scientist in Cell Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences • conversation
June 24, 2021 • ~5 min

ALS scientific breakthrough: Diabetes drug metformin shows promise in mouse study for a common type of ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, is a crippling, progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Now it seems that a diabetes drug may help some cases.

Laura P.W. Ranum, Director, Center for NeuroGenetics and Kitzman Family Professor of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida • conversation
July 20, 2020 • ~10 min

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