Mapping brain changes in early and advanced Lewy Body Dementia
Mapping Synaptic Density in Prodromal and Manifest Lewy Body Dementia
This study is looking at how brain connections change in people with Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, using special imaging tools to see these changes in living patients, so we can spot early signs of memory problems and understand how these diseases progress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10807560 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how synaptic loss occurs in the brain during the early and later stages of Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Using advanced imaging techniques like PET and MRI, the study aims to measure synaptic density and other brain changes in living patients, rather than relying on post-mortem analysis. By understanding these changes, researchers hope to identify early signs of cognitive decline and better characterize the progression of these neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing early symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as healthy older adults for comparison.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced stages of dementia or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management strategies for patients with Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to study neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach is both viable and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallagher, Catherine L. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gallagher, Catherine L.
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.