Understanding Brain Energy Problems in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Brain mitochondrial PET imaging and 31P-MR spectroscopy to dissect the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in bioenergetic dysregulation in Dementia with Lewy Bodies pathogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11092730
This project explores how energy problems in the brain contribute to Dementia with Lewy Bodies, aiming to uncover new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11092730 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) often involves issues with how brain cells produce and use energy. This project uses advanced brain imaging, including a new PET scan that measures mitochondrial function and a special MRI technique, to get a detailed picture of these energy problems. We want to understand if specific issues with mitochondria, the cell's energy factories, or other energy pathways are involved in DLB. By observing these changes in people at different stages of DLB, we hope to identify specific targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies might include individuals with or at risk for Dementia with Lewy Bodies, as well as healthy volunteers.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Lewy Bodies may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, targeted treatments for Dementia with Lewy Bodies by pinpointing specific energy dysfunctions in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: While bioenergetic dysfunction is recognized in neurodegeneration, this project combines novel imaging techniques to specifically dissect these mechanisms in DLB, representing a new approach.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERMAN, SARAH B — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BERMAN, SARAH B
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease pathology