Comparing skin tests for diagnosing Lewy body dementia
Official title: Blinded Comparison of Different Alpha-Synuclein Seeding Assays as Cutaneous Biomarkers of Lewy Body Dementias
Funded at Banner Health · NIH-10898060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how skin samples can help find a protein linked to Lewy body dementia, with the hope of making it easier and less invasive to diagnose this condition for people who have it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Banner Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $571,411 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS118669-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, including those with Parkinson disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Lewy body dementia or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of skin biopsies to detect a protein called alpha-synuclein, which is associated with Lewy body dementia. By employing advanced techniques like real-time quaking-induced conversion and protein misfolding cyclic amplification, the study aims to establish reliable biomarkers for diagnosing this condition. Over four years, researchers will collect skin samples from 90 participants diagnosed with different forms of Lewy body dementia to assess the accuracy of these tests. The goal is to improve diagnostic methods that are currently limited by invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to non-invasive and accurate diagnostic tools for Lewy body dementia, improving early detection and treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar biopsy techniques to detect alpha-synuclein, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Banner Health
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beach, Thomas G — Banner Health
- Study coordinator: Beach, Thomas G
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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.