Dorsomedial Striatal Dopamine and Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease
Official title: Dorsomedial Striatal Dopamine and Dementia in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11365511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with Parkinson’s disease will look at brain circuits that affect thinking and memory to understand why dementia develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $597,466 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS144085-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Parkinson’s disease who experience cognitive impairment or are at risk for Parkinson’s disease dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Parkinson’s disease or without cognitive symptoms related to PD would not be the primary beneficiaries.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how dopamine-related brain circuits in the dorsal striatum influence executive thinking and timing in Parkinson’s disease. Researchers use human data and neurophysiology to map which neural pathways contribute to working memory, attention, and interval timing problems that can lead to dementia in PD. The goal is to identify neurophysiological markers and pave the way for targeted treatments to preserve cognition. The work builds on prior findings showing distinct roles for D1- and D2-expressing neurons in executive function. Results could inform future therapies and improve quality of life for people living with PD and related dementias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to predict and treat cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest specific brain circuits are linked to timing and executive function, supporting the approach but the direct translation to dementia treatment remains emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayanan, Nandakumar — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Narayanan, Nandakumar
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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.