A test to differentiate between dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: A Diagnostic Test for Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Funded at Cnd Life Sciences, INC. · NIH-10589126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new diagnostic test to help doctors tell the difference between dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer's disease, so that people can get the right treatment and care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cnd Life Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,168,467 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG076072-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10589126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive decline who may be diagnosed with either dementia with Lewy Bodies or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those who do not exhibit cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to validate a diagnostic test that can accurately distinguish between dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). DLB is a severe neurodegenerative condition that affects millions and is often misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment and care. The study focuses on identifying the presence of a specific misfolded protein, α-synuclein, which is associated with DLB. By developing a reliable test, the research seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses for patients with dementia, allowing for better-targeted treatments and care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative diseases, but this specific approach to differentiate DLB from AD is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cnd Life Sciences, INC.
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levine, Todd — Cnd Life Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Levine, Todd
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how heparan sulfate affects alpha-synuclein in Lewy body dementia
A small study in people who have dementia with Lewy bodies looks at how a brain sugar (heparan sulfate) helps a harmful protein (alpha-synuclein) spread, with the hope of slowing disease progression.
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Alpha-synuclein seed test in blood or urine for Parkinson’s and Lewy body diseases
A new blood or urine test using seed amplification to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related conditions earlier and more clearly.
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Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium
A national research effort to better understand and diagnose Lewy body dementia by studying biomarkers and patient data over time.
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Rat model of dementia with Lewy bodies may help us study memory and movement problems
A scientist team is creating and validating a rat model that mirrors Dementia with Lewy Bodies to better understand how it develops and to test potential treatments.
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Proof of Concept Study on Clinical Trial Outcomes and Biomarkers in Early Lewy Body Dementia
A small, early-stage study is testing whether new biomarkers and trial outcomes can better measure symptoms and treatment effects for people with Lewy body dementia.
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Amyloid-clearing therapy for dementia with Lewy bodies plus Alzheimer's disease
A study tests an amyloid-clearing antibody in people who have both Dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease to see if it can safely help with their symptoms.
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.