In the News
What are Tau Diseases?
Tau is a protein that helps stabilize the internal skeleton of neurons in the brain. Tau diseases, also known as tauopathies, are a group of diseases resulting from the accumulation of misfolded tau protein. Often associated with genetic mutations, tau diseases cause neurons to stop functioning and die.
​
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 20 types of tau diseases, including Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease, Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and more.
​
Tau diseases have heartbreaking effects on patients and their loved ones. Due to severe cognitive and/or physical decline, patients are unable to earn a living and may require long-term, around-the-clock care for decades.
​
The financial burden of care can devastate families. With an estimated 30 million people suffering from tau-related diseases worldwide, the impacts on the global economy are also significant. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the total annual cost of care for people with dementia is projected to increase from $345 billion in 2023 to nearly $1 trillion in 2050.
Committed to a Cure - by 2033
At the Tau Research Foundation, our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by early onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and other rare tau-related diseases by raising awareness and funding toward a cure.