Understanding why Lewy body diseases affect people differently
Official title: Mechanisms Underlying Heterogeneity of Cognitive Outcomes in Synucleinopathy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11393771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why the same brain changes in Lewy body diseases can lead to very different cognitive outcomes, with hopes to help personalize care for patients and families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,799,834 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG084497-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementias, Parkinson’s disease, or related disorders who are willing to participate in biomarker studies and data sharing.
✕Less likely to help
People not affected by Lewy body diseases or those not engaged in research activities may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This program brings together several projects at the University of Pennsylvania to look at why alpha-synuclein–related brain changes don’t affect everyone the same way. By examining how related brain proteins, genetic factors, and where pathology starts influence memory and thinking, the team aims to map why some people decline quickly while others remain stable longer. The work uses human data and tissue samples from people with Lewy body dementias, Parkinson’s disease, and related conditions to explore these mechanisms. The goal is to generate insights that could guide future therapies and better planning for patients and caregivers. A multi-project approach increases the chances that findings will translate into real-world benefits for those living with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of why cognitive decline varies could lead to personalized care plans and new targets for disease-modifying therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in Lewy body diseases has revealed that pathology interactions and genetic factors influence cognitive trajectories, supporting this study’s approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.