$1.1 Billion at Stake in California for Neuro Disease Research at Hearing Next Week

One scientist focuses on rare cause of dementia; Alzheimer's and Huntington's on table as well

Actor Bruce Willis suffered from frontotemporal dementia, according to his family.

California’s neuro disease task force is scheduled to take another look next Wednesday at how $1.1 billion should be spent on stem cell and genetic research into neuro diseases, as mandated by state voters more than three years ago. 

One scientist is suggesting that a chunk of that cash should go to FTD -- not the floral delivery service but frontotemporal dementia, a rare cause of dementia. The late actor Bruce Willis suffered from the affliction. 

“There are several FTD centers of excellence in California, with experienced investigators who would be interested in applying for funding,” said Laura Mitic, acting president of the Bluefield Project. “Indeed, the Gladstone Institutes and UCSF were an early recipient of CIRM funding (grant # RL1-00650-1), which