Frontotemporal dementia is the term for a group of dementias affecting behaviour and language. Thirty percent of FTD cases are associated with autosomal dominant mutations. There are three main genes that account for the majority of these genetic FTD cases – namely Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), progranulin (GRN) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT). Symptomatic genetic FTD has been associated with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties. Subtle changes in cognition have been shown to predict conversion to symptomatic disease two years prior, but this has not yet been explored in terms of speech and language. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in written language skills in people with presymptomatic genetic FTD. Data was extracted from the Swedish site of a large international FTD databank for 24 presymptomatic carriers, 16 non-carrier controls and two symptomatic carriers. Written picture description of the cookie-theft picture and the written sentence task on the MMSE (write a sentence about anything you want) were collected over three timepoints. Analysis showed no difference in grammatical complexity across presymptomatic FTD carriers and the control participants. Analysis of the number of words demonstrated people with presymptomatic FTD produced statistically more words on written picture description than the control group. The researchers highlighted that the difference was minimal and not clinically significant. Importantly, they emphasised that the included participants were, on average, 13.5 years before symptom onset; thus, further research should examine symptoms closer to the time of onset. This programme of research is important given the need to identify symptoms of dementia early to maximise treatment options.
Can writing reveal the timeline for future dementia diagnoses?
Top Of Page
Accreditations
Pinpoint Scotland Ltd (Registered in Scotland No. SC068684) | © 2026 - Website by Gecko Agency