Chapel Hill, N.C. — For decades, scientists and doctors have tried to unlock the mysteries of emotional life – from trying to produce the positive feelings of love, joy and happiness while controlling sadness, anger or fear.

In recent years, researchers have discovered where some emotions are generated in the brain, allowing doctors to begin fighting degenerative brain disorders that eat away at memories and emotions.

For the family of 59-year-old Arnette Lester, the new discoveries are a positive step forward that came just a bit too late.

Nine years ago, Lester's husband, Paul, said he noticed that his wife – a nurse for years – didn't respond normally when her mother was dealing with severe back pain.

"She wasn't as concerned as what a nurse would show, or what a daughter would show," Paul Lester said.

As time went on, Lester said his wife grew even more distant, not showing concern about her marriage or family. Tests for Alzheimer's were negative, but eventually doctors diagnosed Lester with frontotemporal degeneration, a disorder that causes people to lose touch with how they feel.

Thanks to brain imaging that reveals where different emotional responses are generated, doctors were able to diagnose Arnette Lester with FTP. Unfortunately for her and her family, however, years of apathy meant that she would never be the same.

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Courtesy of WRAL