Biomarkers linked to thinking and memory changes in Lewy body diseases
Understanding biomarkers of cognitive decline in Lewy body diseases
This project looks for biological markers in people with Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies to explain why thinking and memory problems progress differently among patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332394 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will screen blood, spinal fluid, and other patient-derived samples to find molecules that track or predict cognitive decline in Lewy body diseases. They will use data from prior work and new patient samples to prioritize the most promising biomarker leads. The top leads will then be tested in laboratory model systems to understand their role in causing cognitive problems and to identify potential drug targets. The goal is to move from marker discovery toward targets that could guide future treatments for dementia in these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies, with or without cognitive symptoms, who can provide clinical information and biological samples.
Not a fit: People without Lewy body-related disorders or whose cognitive issues are due to unrelated causes would likely not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal markers that predict who will develop dementia and point to new targets for treatments to slow or prevent cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Related biomarker studies in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have found promising signals, but applying and validating those approaches specifically for cognitive differences in Lewy body diseases is a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S
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.