Dr. Shirley Poduslo is interested in enrolling patients who may have frontotemporal dementia and their family members into the DNA Bank. A study will compare this dementia with Alzheimer's. Frontotemporal dementia has been linked with markers on chromosome 17 and mutations in the gene for tau protein have been identified in some of these patients. Persons with Pick's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, or other frontotemporal dementias are encouraged to enroll. Early symptoms of these disorders are problems with language and behavioral changes.
Memory loss comes later in the disease.
Additional markers in this area are being analyzed in their continuing study. Once markers that define the region of the chromosome are identified, then candidate genes will be assessed for mutations linked with the disease. Dr. Shirley E. Poduslo and members of her technical staff will spend a day in designated facilities drawing two vials of blood from each Alzheimer's patient and as many members of their families as possible. Dr. Poduslo will be available to answer individual questions concerning the research and Alzheimer's disease. At Southern Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Halletsville Dorothy Layton, Admissions and Marketing Administrator, is in charge of arrangements for Tuesday, April 27.