Welcome to FRONTIER
The FRONTIER Clinical Research Group is Australia’s largest specialist team focused on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Since 2007, we have conducted research that has helped improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and support of individuals living with FTD. Our research covers cognition, speech and language, behaviour, social functioning, neuroimaging, genetics, clinical management, and other key aspects of FTD and dementia more broadly. We work with individuals diagnosed with FTD and related conditions, such as corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as well as with those living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), or posterior cortical atrophy (PCA).
We also work closely with carers and families, helping to clarify the diagnosis and understand the changes that occur over time. We provide practical guidance, connect families with specialised services, and offer ongoing support throughout the FTD journey.
FRONTIER is led by Professor Olivier Piguet and includes approximately 20 researchers, clinicians, students, and administrative staff. Our research is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, university funding, and generous community donations. The FRONTIER research clinic is based at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney.
Featured Collaborations
On our YouTube channel, we feature a series of videos showcasing our diverse collaborations that are advancing dementia research and care in Australia. Whether you're a researcher, a carer, or simply looking to better understand dementia, these stories highlight the real-world impact of our collaborations in improving knowledge, support, and outcomes for people living with dementia.
Latest Publications
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Distinguishing bvFTD from PPD
This publicaiton highlights key neuropsychological differences to distinguish behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) from late-onset primary psychiatric disorders (PPD).
de Boer SCM, Riedl L, Braak S, Fenoglio C, Foxe D, et al. -
Everyday Flexibility: FIDL Scale
This publication introduces and validates the new Flexibility in Daily Life (FIDL) questionnaire, showing it reliably measures thinking and behavior flexibility across different ages.
Horne K, Chen T, Irish M. -
Interpreting ACE-III in Dementia
This publication offers practical reference ranges and meaningful yearly change thresholds for the ACE-III cognitive test, helping clinicians better track dementia progression.
Carrick J, Cheung SC, Foxe D, Piguet O.
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Tracking Dementia Types Over Time
This publication tracks how behaviour and thinking abilities change over time in different types of dementia; AD and variants of FTD to help clinicians understand and compare how these conditions progress.
Zhang X, Irish M, Piguet O, Ahmed RM.
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Reviewing Diagnostic Criteria bvFTD
This publication examines the diagnostic criteria for behavioral‐variant frontotemporal dementia, highlighting that the cognitive criterion may be overly restrictive and potentially delay diagnosis and treatment.
Piguet O, Clarke A. J, Foxe D, Tse N Y, et al.
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Survival Rates in FTD and AD
This publication explores the distinct survival patterns across FTD and AD subtypes. Demographic and presenting clinical features provide valuable prognostic insights for survival.
Foxe D, Muggleton J, Cheung SC, Mueller N, Ahmed RM, et al.
Support Us
FRONTIER is funded by government grants and donations from people like you. With your support, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of people living with FTD.
Contact Us
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