Entrance of Western University. (XFM News/Will Bruce)
A Western University-led study has found positive results for treating a rare form of Dementia. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Finger, a neurological researcher, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) was the focus of the study.
“This is a dementia that starts anywhere from mid-adulthood in one’s 30s or 40s up through Seventies, 80s and older. There are no cures and there are few to almost no effective treatments for the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia or FTD for short.” says Dr. Finger
The study specifically focused on treating the symptoms of the loss of apathy, typically meaning a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
“We were quite interested in focusing on the symptom of apathy because it tends to be present quite early in the course of frontotemporal dementia, and it is experienced in about 70% of patients with FTD.” says Dr Finger.
The impact can also be quite burdensome and hard for caregivers and their family members to deal with according to Dr Finger.
There have been studies since the 90s on the effects of FTD but being a relatively rare disorder, no large-scale trials on treatment options have been undertaken.
Dr Finger hoped this study could be a launching-off point, with 10 FTD Clinics across the United States and Canada taking part, and about 75 patients completing the study.
The results gave them their answer.
“We did find that the intranasal oxytocin spray given to patients with FTD did significantly improve their symptoms of apathy. So our study is the 1st signal of something that may be effective for this symptom in patients with Frontotemporal Dementia.” says Dr Finger.
Dr. Finger said that more testing will be needed before approval of this treatment by government agencies, for those with FTD. Due to the rarity of this form of dementia, the focus will be on optimizing this research so a larger trial can be completed in the future.
