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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:59
Real-Time Fluorescent Measurement of Synaptic Functions in Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: July 16, 2021
The relationship between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia
George M Ringholz1, Scott R Greene
1Department of Neurology, Emory University,1841 Clifton Road, Room 442, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. george.ringholz@emory.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|August 25, 2006
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder, not just a motor neuron disease. Evidence suggests ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may be linked and share neuropathologic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- Traditionally, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was viewed as solely a motor neuron disorder.
- Historical and recent clinical data indicate extramotor involvement in ALS, including dementia.
- This challenges the traditional view and suggests a broader impact of ALS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting ALS as a multisystem disorder.
- To explore the association between ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
- To discuss the potential of ALS and FTD representing points on a shared neuropathologic continuum.
Main Methods:
- Integration of literature from clinical and basic scientific disciplines.
- Review of neurocognitive, neuropathologic, genetic, proteomic, and neuroradiologic findings.
- Analysis of historical clinical reports and recent research.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports ALS as a multisystem disorder with extramotor involvement.
- Significant overlap exists between ALS and FTD in terms of affected neuroanatomy.
- ALS and FTD may represent different manifestations of a common underlying neuropathology.
Conclusions:
- ALS is more than a motor neuron disease; it is a multisystem disorder.
- The association between ALS and FTD is supported by converging evidence.
- Future research should focus on the shared neuropathologic continuum between ALS and FTD.
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