Alpha-synuclein forms linked to Parkinson's disease dementia
α-Synuclein strain properties are associated with diagnosis of and progression to Parkinson's disease with dementia
Researchers are comparing different forms of the protein alpha-synuclein to see how they relate to dementia in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303408 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will analyze biological samples such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or brain tissue to identify different forms ('strains') of alpha-synuclein from people with Parkinson's and related dementias. They will compare those protein forms with patients' symptoms and cognitive changes over time and use laboratory models to test how specific strains spread and damage brain tissue. The team will connect lab findings to clinical histories to look for markers that predict progression from normal thinking to mild cognitive problems and then to dementia. Participation may involve sample donation, clinical tests, and follow-up visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Parkinson's disease at any cognitive stage (normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia) and people with dementia with Lewy bodies who can provide clinical data and biological samples.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's or Lewy body–type dementia, and those unable or unwilling to provide samples or attend follow-up visits, are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to tests that predict which people with Parkinson's are at high risk for dementia and point to new treatments targeting harmful alpha-synuclein types.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that alpha-synuclein can exist in different pathological forms and spread in lab models, but turning these findings into reliable patient tests or treatments is still at an early, unproven stage.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Xiaobo — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Xiaobo
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 below.