Phenotypic variation in frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17.

Hereditary frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) caused by mutations in the tau gene shows a wide range in age at onset, several distinct clinical presentations, and a spectrum of tau pathology. Although the clinical and pathological phenotype often correlate with the location of the mutation, there also exists considerable interfamilial and intrafamilial phenotypical variation. Not all families with FTDP-17 do have mutations and deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain, but show ubiquitin-positive, tau-negative inclusions. Future research should focus on the role of other genetic and environmental factors in this form of FTDP-17, whereas the responsible gene defect(s) has still to be identified for hereditary FTD without tau mutations. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel