The early detection of frontotemporal dementia and MND (EDoF) project

<h3></h3> The subtle and heterogeneous changes that emerge in the prodromal stages of FTD and MND are encompassed by the label ‘Mild Cognitive, Behaviour and Motor Impairment’ (MCBMI). This disease stage is of increasing interest as trials look to enrol participants earlier. My ABN fellowship uses digital technologies to sensitively detect and quantify changes across these domains. Three cohorts are being studied: 1) a presymptomatic cohort of C9orf72, GRN and MAPT mutation carriers from the Genetic FTD Initiative (GENFI); 2) a symptomatic cohort including those with behavioural variant FTD and MND; 3) a control cohort. Participants complete the EDoF protocol consisting of 4 weeks of testing using 2 wearable devices, 2 computerised tests, and 2 non-invasive muscle tests. Early data from the baseline GENFI cohort demonstrates significant differences in cognition in the prodromal carriers compared to controls, detected using the iPad-based test <i>Ignite.</i> Analysis of inertial measurement unit and Fitbit data is underway to explore gait and activity, including circadian rhythm and sleep. Muscle ultrasound and high-density surface EMG quantify muscles changes including fasciculations. Outcomes will be correlated with clinical scales, structural imaging, and fluid biomarkers, with results contributing to a multi-stage and subtype-specific model of genetic FTD and MND.