Scientists create mice with a major genetic cause of ALS and FTD

NIH: Scientists at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida created a novel mouse that exhibits the symptoms and neurodegeneration associated with the most common genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease), both of which are caused by a mutation in the a gene called C9ORF72. The study was partially funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the journal Science.

Out-of-character criminal actions linked to dementia

“Could criminal behaviour be the first sign of dementia?” the Mail Online asks. A US study found an association between sudden, unusual criminal behaviour, such as shoplifting or urinating in public, and various types of dementia. The study looked at crimes committed by patients suffering from a number of diseases that damage the brain and cause dementia. It found more than 8% of patients had a history of criminal behaviour that first emerged during their illness.

Frontotemporal dementia / Pick disease

Source:  Julie Snowden, PhD; David Neary, MD and David M. A. Mann, PhD. Manchester. UK. The British Journal of Psychiatry.2002.

Frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of primary degenerative dementia after Alzheimer's disease that affects people in middle age, accounting for up to 20% of presenile dementia cases. Onset occurs most commonly between the ages of 45 and 65 years, although the disorder can present before the age of 30 years as well as in the elderly. There is an equal incidence in men and women. The mean duration of illness is 8 years, ranging from 2 years to 20 years. A family history of dementia is present in about half of cases.