Last month, the GENFI team travelled to Amsterdam to attend the International Symposium of frontotemporal dementia (ISFTD) 2024, a four-day conference dedicated to the latest research on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It was an exciting opportunity to learn about new developments in the field and share our team’s findings with the global FTD research community.
Day 1: The ISFTD Conference begins
The ISFTD conference officially started with an impressive opening ceremony featuring an orchestra and a live band, before diving into the latest breakthroughs in FTD research. The themes of the day included Diversity and Epidemiology, covering cross-liguistic variations in language and dementia, as well as the influential factors in FTD across the world. This was followed by Imaging Biomarkers, Clinical Trials and Management, as well as Genetics sessions, offering a wide variety of information. Between sessions, members of the FTD Talk team presented their research posters, showcasing the work they have been focused on. From the clinical team, Eve presented her poster on clinical rating scales in FTD, and Kerala presented on early detection of FTD using digital biomarkers. From the laboratory team, Katie and Aitana presented their work on inflammatory profiles and the underlying causes of FTD.
We ended the day with a welcome reception, where we met other researchers and relaxed after a long day of learning about some of the latest advancements in the field.
Days 2 & 3: Talks, Posters, and a Gala Dinner
The next two days were packed with fascinating sessions covering Clinical aspects of FTD Neuropsychology, Neuropathology, Fluid Biomarkers, and Fundamental Research. The rest of the team presented their research posters, with Phoebe, Sophie F, Eva and Amelia’s work focused on the early detection of FTD using digital cognitive assessment tools, and Sophie G’s poster looking at mini-organoid models in progranulin associated FTD. A highlight was Arabella’s neuroimaging talk investigating grey matter, white matter and functional connectivity in the brain.
There were also plenty of chances to network and socialize, capped off by a beautiful Gala dinner on Saturday night. It was a perfect way to unwind after a few busy days of science, and we even had time to explore Amsterdam!
Day 4: Final talks and Farewell
The last day of the conference included Translational Research and Consortia Presentation sessions, as well as two standout presentations from our team. Kerala shared insights from her PhD research using digital assessment tools, looking at the role of practice effects in repeat testing, and Professor Jon Rohrer wrapped up the conference with an update on the Genetic Frontotemporal dementia Initiative (GENFI) project.
After a quick grab-and-go lunch, the team headed to the airport and made our way back to London, feeling energized and inspired by everything we’d learned.
Amelia Blesius, on behalf of the FTD talk team.
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