Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded more than £15 million of research to help advance understanding of frontotemporal dementia it’s causes, diagnosis and treatment.
People diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, and other types of dementia can take part in research studies. People living with dementia have a vital role to play in helping scientists understand more about dementia, and to test new treatments, therapies and methods of diagnosis. Find more information about taking part in research here.
You can register to find out which research studies you may be suitable to take part in via Join Dementia Research.
Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded more than £15 million of pioneering research to help advance our understanding of frontotemporal dementia.
We’ve funded over 140 research projects into FTD, including studies investigating the proteins that build up in the brain in FTD and the risk factors for developing the disease. This work will help scientists to understand FTD, diagnose it more accurately and develop new treatments.
Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make breakthroughs possible.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Information in this introductory booklet is for anyone who wants to know more about frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This includes people living with FTD, their carers, families and friends.

Research projects
What role does the tau protein play in dementia?
Race Against Dementia Dyson Fellow, Dr Claire Durrant is investigating the role of tau during diseases that cause dementia, like Alzheimer’s.
Using stem cells to understand and treat toxic proteins in frontotemporal dementia.
Researchers at King’s College London are investigating how the protein TDP-43 is involved in frontotemporal dementia
Using stem cells to target tau
Researchers from UCL are revealing crucial insights into why the protein ‘tau’ behaves unusually in diseases like Alzheimer’s and FTD.
Using data from brain donations to investigate the impact of multiple underlying causes of dementia
Use information from the Brains for Dementia Research Programme to find out which disease combinations lead to a more rapid decline of memory and thinking skills.
This information was updated in December 2021 and is due for review in January 2024. It was written by Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you’d like a version with references or in a different format.
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Dementia Research Infoline
Want to know more dementia? Keen to take part in research projects?
Contact the Dementia Research Infoline
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0300 111 5 111