Understanding and Treating Parkinson's, Lewy Body Dementia, and Multiple System Atrophy
Synucleinopathies – Novel Targets in Early Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Approach
This work aims to find new ways to detect Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy early, before major symptoms appear, and to discover better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135445 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking for early signs of diseases like Parkinson's, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy, which are all linked by a protein called alpha-synuclein. Our past work successfully found markers in spinal fluid and MRI scans that can predict if someone with pure autonomic failure (PAF), an early stage condition, will develop one of these diseases. Now, we are also focusing on REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), another condition that often appears years before motor or cognitive symptoms of these diseases. The goal is to find new ways to diagnose these conditions sooner, when treatments might be more effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to individuals with early signs of synucleinopathies, such as pure autonomic failure (PAF) or isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), who are at high risk of developing Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, or multiple system atrophy.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, or multiple system atrophy may not directly benefit from this early detection focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy, potentially slowing or stopping disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has successfully identified predictive biomarkers for conversion from pre-motor stages to established synucleinopathies, suggesting a strong foundation for this continued approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Wolfgang — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Singer, Wolfgang
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.