Investigating brain changes in Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's disease dementia using patient-derived neurons.
Official title: Transcriptomic assessment of pathology in PD with dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies using iPSC neurons and brain tissue of the same individuals
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-10511261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia are different by examining brain cells from people who had these conditions, which could help doctors find better ways to diagnose and treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $423,274 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS128550-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10511261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia or Parkinson's disease dementia, particularly those who have passed away and whose brain tissue can be analyzed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those who are currently alive and unable to provide postmortem tissue may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the differences between dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia by analyzing brain tissue and neurons derived from the same patients. Researchers will create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from individuals who have passed away, allowing them to study the disease at a cellular level. By comparing the genetic and molecular characteristics of these cells with postmortem brain tissue, the study aims to uncover insights into the progression and pathology of these dementias. This approach could lead to better diagnostic methods and treatment strategies tailored to individual patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and personalized treatment options for patients with Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's disease dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of iPSC models in dementia research is gaining traction, this specific approach of directly comparing patient-derived neurons with postmortem tissue is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sattler, Rita — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sattler, Rita
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how heparan sulfate affects alpha-synuclein in Lewy body dementia
A small study in people who have dementia with Lewy bodies looks at how a brain sugar (heparan sulfate) helps a harmful protein (alpha-synuclein) spread, with the hope of slowing disease progression.
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Alpha-synuclein seed test in blood or urine for Parkinson’s and Lewy body diseases
A new blood or urine test using seed amplification to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related conditions earlier and more clearly.
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Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium
A national research effort to better understand and diagnose Lewy body dementia by studying biomarkers and patient data over time.
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Rat model of dementia with Lewy bodies may help us study memory and movement problems
A scientist team is creating and validating a rat model that mirrors Dementia with Lewy Bodies to better understand how it develops and to test potential treatments.
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Proof of Concept Study on Clinical Trial Outcomes and Biomarkers in Early Lewy Body Dementia
A small, early-stage study is testing whether new biomarkers and trial outcomes can better measure symptoms and treatment effects for people with Lewy body dementia.
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Amyloid-clearing therapy for dementia with Lewy bodies plus Alzheimer's disease
A study tests an amyloid-clearing antibody in people who have both Dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease to see if it can safely help with their symptoms.
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.