Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17--the first Polish family

Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) is a neurodegenerative disorder with various clinical phenotypes. We present the first Central-Eastern European family (Gdansk Family) with FTDP-17 because of a P301L mutation in microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT).

We have studied a family consisting of 82 family members, 39 of whom were genetically evaluated. The proband and her affected brother underwent detailed clinical and neuropsychological examinations.

P301L mutation in MAPT was identified in two affected and five asymptomatic family members. New features included hemispatial neglect and unilateral resting tremor not previously reported for P301L MAPT mutation. Low blood folic acid levels were also detected.

Our report suggests that FTDP-17 affects patients worldwide, but because of its heterogenous clinical presentation remains underrecognized.