Investigating the role of alpha-synuclein in dementia
Official title: Cortical Alpha-Synuclein in Dementia
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11020944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called alpha-synuclein affects brain function in people with Lewy Body dementias, like Parkinson’s disease Dementia, to help find better treatments by seeing how it disrupts communication between brain cells.
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 | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,456 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129711-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body dementias, including those with Parkinson’s disease Dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Lewy Body pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the protein alpha-synuclein affects brain function in patients with Lewy Body dementias, such as Parkinson’s disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe how alpha-synuclein aggregates disrupt communication between brain cells in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for planning and attention. The researchers will manipulate the levels of alpha-synuclein in specific brain regions to assess its impact on neuronal activity and plasticity. This approach could lead to insights that inform the development of targeted treatments for these types of dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve cognitive function in patients with Lewy Body dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of alpha-synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aldridge, Georgina — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Aldridge, Georgina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how DNA damage and repair mechanisms are altered in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
This study is looking at how problems with DNA repair might contribute to conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it’s testing ways to fix these issues in cells from patients to help develop new treatments.
-
Synthetic protein mimetics to treat Lewy Body Dementia
A new therapeutic approach using engineered protein-like molecules to block the harmful protein clumps that cause Lewy Body Dementia.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a US survey for use in many countries
A study is adapting and testing a survey for dementia care workers in the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why workers stay in their jobs and how to improve care.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a survey for use in many countries
A multinational study will adapt and test a U.S. dementia-care worker survey in Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why staff stay in or leave long-term care settings.
-
Study of Dementia Care Staff in 4 Countries: Adapting Caregiver Surveys Across Cultures
A multinational project will adapt and test a dementia care worker survey so researchers can compare care environments across the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana.
-
New biomarkers to distinguish LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in dementia
A study to develop blood and CSF tests that can tell apart LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in people with dementia.
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.