Frontotemporal dementia is the most common kind of early-onset dementia. It usually starts in people between the ages of 40 and 65.
This disease affects the front and side parts of the brain, causing big changes in how a person behaves. It can also make it hard for them to speak, write, and remember things.
In some people, this type of dementia is caused by a genetic problem that stops brain cells from making a protein called progranulin.
Now, scientists at the University of Kentucky, along with other researchers, have made an exciting discovery. They found that a certain group of antibiotics, known as aminoglycosides, might help treat this disease.
These antibiotics may be able to “skip over” the genetic mistake that causes cells to stop making progranulin. That means the cells could start making the protein again.
In their study, the researchers tested two specific antibiotics: Gentamicin and G418.
After treatment, the cells started making progranulin again—about 50% to 60% of the normal amount.
This is a big step forward because there are currently no approved treatments that can fix or slow down frontotemporal dementia. The ability to bring back some of the lost protein could help brain cells work better and slow the disease.
However, this research is still in the early stages. The scientists plan to do more tests, starting with mice that have the same genetic mutation.
Another part of the research involves making safer versions of Gentamicin and G418. While Gentamicin is already approved for use in people, it can cause serious side effects if used for too long. So, the goal is to develop new drugs based on these antibiotics that are safer and still effective.
This study was led by Haining Zhu and published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics. It brings hope for new treatments for frontotemporal dementia and possibly other brain conditions caused by similar gene mutations.
Although more research is needed, this discovery could one day help improve the lives of people living with early-onset dementia, giving them and their families more hope for the future.
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