The genetics of frontotemporal lobar degeneration

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review addresses the latest developments in the genetics of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. 'Frontotemporal lobar degeneration' is the clinical term used to describe a heterogeneous neurodegenerative syndrome that includes frontotemporal dementia, semantic dementia, progressive nonfluent aphasia and progressive apraxia. Up to 40% of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration have a family history of a similar disorder in a first-degree relative, highlighting a significant genetic contribution to the aetiology of this disorder. RECENT FINDINGS: Four genes that cause autosomal frontotemporal lobar degeneration have already been identified, including two that are only 1.7 megabases apart on chromosome 17. SUMMARY: Although much progress has been made in our understanding of the genetics of frontotemporal lobar degeneration in recent years, the majority of the genetic causes of this syndrome remains to be identified. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.