Finding clues in Lewy body diseases to understand memory decline
Understanding biomarkers of cognitive decline in Lewy body diseases
This work looks for biological signals in people with Lewy body diseases to better understand why some experience memory and thinking problems.
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-11146462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Lewy body diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, can cause different symptoms and progress differently for each person. This project aims to find the specific biological reasons behind these differences, especially concerning memory and thinking decline. Researchers are using advanced screening methods to identify molecular clues, called biomarkers, that are linked to these changes. The goal is to use these clues to pinpoint new targets for future treatments that could help slow or prevent cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients diagnosed with Lewy body diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, who experience or are at risk for cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients without Lewy body diseases or those whose cognitive decline is due to other causes may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict, prevent, or treat memory and thinking problems in people with Lewy body diseases.
How similar studies have performed: This is a renewal application, building on previous findings, suggesting that initial work has generated promising data to pursue these advanced biomarker investigations.
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.