Link identified between nerve cell proteins and middle-age onset Dementia

(Nagoya University) Research led by Nagoya University identified an interaction of two neuronal proteins that is crucial for maintaining the tau isoform balance and preventing development of the dementia frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Blocking expression of either protein altered the tau ratio, and caused FTLD-like phenotypes in mice such as behavioral changes and hippocampal loss. The phenotype was rescued by rebalancing the tau ratio. This mouse model could be used to develop FTLD t...