Estudos observacionais

Your experience – or a loved one’s – can drive research for future gains in FTD diagnosis, treatments, and one day, a cure. Much of the research conducted in FTD is done through observational studies, in which researchers simply observe and document over time the naturally occurring changes in a participant’s health, behavior, and cognitive abilities.

Observational studies are typically much larger than clinical trials and allow researchers to gather information from many participants. Information gathered from these studies has allowed researchers to gain insight into the course of the FTD disorders, helping to improve diagnosis and guide potential treatments.

O que posso esperar?

Participants in observational studies will typically receive a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history, a medical exam, neuropsychological testing, genetics testing and brain imaging. They will be given information about the disease, medical management services and resources.

Depending on the research study, participants  will return for follow-up visits for evaluation to assess changes in functioning on a scheduled basis. Participants may also be offered opportunities to take part in support groups, special programs or separate drug trials.

How can I participate?

Estudo ALLFTD

The ARTFL–LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ALLFTD) Study combines two comprehensive efforts that represent the most important observational studies of FTD in the United States today:

  1. ARTFL –Pesquisa avançada e tratamento da degeneração lobar frontotemporal (ARTFL) is a natural-history study of FTD. It is open to anyone with an FTD disorder, as well as to family members of individuals with genetically-caused FTD. ARTFL is funded by the NIH and is part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network.
  2. LEFFTDS – The Longitudinal Evaluation of Familial Frontotemporal Dementia Subjects (LEFFTDS) conducts longitudinal studies of individuals from families with known mutations in the three genes most commonly affected in FTD:  MAPA, GRN, ou C9orf72. A primary goal of LEFFTDS is to identify the most robust and reliable methods to track disease progression in familial FTD so that disease-modifying therapeutic trials can be designed appropriately.

Financiado pelos Institutos Nacionais de Saúde, ALLFTD combines the research efforts of the ARTFL and LEFFTDS studies to form a multi-side consortium that allows researchers to work collaboratively to advance FTD knowledge for future clinical trials. A ALLFTD agora está recrutando ativamente participantes em determinados locais de estudo, dependendo das condições locais. Para garantir a segurança durante a pandemia do COVID-19, o projeto está recrutando e atendendo participantes usando uma combinação de consultas presenciais e virtuais de telemedicina. Você pode visitar o site da ALLFTD para encontre o armário do local de estudo para você e entre em contato com o coordenador do site para obter mais informações.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs)

Much  FTD research in the U.S. is conducted by physicians within the federally funded network of Centros de pesquisa da doença de Alzheimer (ADRCs). In Canada, several university medical schools and health sciences centers are conducting FTD research. AFTD lists centers with a known interest in FTD on our website on the U.S. and Canadian Regional pages.

Each ADRC has its own unique area of emphasis, so you should ask about the particular research programs available and eligibility criteria.  Frequently the cost to the patient of study-related services and evaluations are waived, but you should confirm this before signing on to any research study.

Additional Opportunities

  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD also conducts observational studies. Visit its local na rede Internet Para maiores informações.
  • O Registro de Distúrbios FTD also features ways to participate in research, to spur innovation that will lead to effective treatments and therapies.