Improving Care for Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementias with Palliative Approaches
More than a Movement Disorder: Applying Palliative Care to Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementias
This project explores how specialized comfort care, called palliative care, can help people living with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementias feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092853 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementias are complex conditions that cause more than just movement problems; many people also experience challenging non-motor symptoms like pain, depression, and dementia. Current care models often do not fully address these important needs for patients and their families, leading to reduced quality of life. Palliative care is a holistic approach that focuses on relieving suffering and improving overall well-being, including physical, emotional, and spiritual needs for those with serious illnesses. This project aims to bring these successful palliative care methods, which have helped in other chronic conditions, to individuals living with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementias. The goal is to enhance how we care for people with these conditions by focusing on what matters most to them and their families.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Individuals aged 21 and older living with Parkinson's disease, Lewy Body Dementia, or related neurodegenerative disorders who experience challenging non-motor symptoms would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose primary concerns are solely motor symptoms without significant non-motor challenges may not directly benefit from this specific palliative care focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementias by better managing their non-motor symptoms and overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Early evidence, including a randomized trial, suggests that palliative care approaches can be effective for individuals with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementias.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kluger, Benzi M — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kluger, Benzi M
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.