Identifying early manifestations in genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia: positive steps in a long and complex journey

By the time clinical (behavioural, cognitive, neurological) features of dementia emerge, the proverbial horse has already well and truly bolted; indeed, significant pathological brain changes will have been under way for years if not decades. Interventions and disease modifying treatments—when they become available—are most likely to be effective during the very early clinical phase, as well as during the prodromal period, that is, at a time that will minimise cognitive and functional changes. The question therefore remains: How can we identify the earliest changes that will enable an early intervention or treatment? Tavares and colleagues1 examined members of families …