Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of brain disorders caused by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior, personality, language, and movement. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, FTD often affects younger people, typically between ages 45 and 65. Symptoms vary depending on the affected areas of the brain and may include emotional problems, difficulty with language, and physical coordination issues.
Genetic testing plays a significant role in diagnosing frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by identifying mutations in specific genes like C9orf72, MAPT, and GRN that are linked to the disease. This testing helps confirm FTD in patients displaying symptoms and assists in differentiating it from other types of dementia. Additionally, genetic testing is crucial for family members, as it provides information about the risk of inheriting the condition, guiding decisions about further testing and genetic counseling.
What is the Program?
In partnership with Passage Bio, this program provides physicians access to no-cost genetic testing for patients, who are suspected of having frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a clinically heterogeneous syndrome due to the progressive degeneration and atrophy of various regions of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Qualified healthcare providers can order no-cost genetic testing for patients, who meet eligibility criteria, to help determine if they have FTD.
This program is open to patients, who have a suspected clinical or clinical diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Collect a buccal specimen in the collection tube. For information on ordering specimen kits, see Specimen Collection and Shipping section.
Program Information
The program offers no-cost genetic testing for individuals suspected of having frontotemporal dementia (FTD), to confirm the diagnosis and aid in better management and understanding of the disease.
Patients suspected of having FTD based on clinical diagnosis or those showing relevant symptoms are eligible for this testing.
The test analyzes several genes known to be associated with FTD, including C9orf72, GRN, and MAPT, which helps in pinpointing the genetic cause of the symptoms.
Healthcare providers can order the test through a requisition form available on the program’s website, ensuring the patient meets the eligibility criteria.
The test requires a buccal swab, and specimen collection kits are provided by the program. Collected specimens can be sent to PreventionGenetics for analysis.
Results are typically available around 18 days after the lab receives the specimen, which allows for timely discussions between healthcare providers and patients or their caregivers.
Genetic testing in the PassageBio FTD Test Program identifies specific gene mutations responsible for FTD, offering definitive diagnostic clarity that can significantly impact management strategies for the patient.
Passage Bio (Nasdaq: PASG) is a clinical stage genetic medicines company on a mission to improve the lives of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Our primary focus is the development and advancement of cutting-edge, one-time therapies designed to target the underlying pathology of these conditions. Passage Bio’s lead product candidate, PBFT02, seeks to treat neurodegenerative conditions, including frontotemporal dementia, by elevating progranulin levels to restore lysosomal function and slow disease progression.
To learn more about Passage Bio and our steadfast commitment to protecting patients and families against loss in neurodegenerative conditions, please visit: www.passagebio.com.
