Understanding Brain Energy Problems in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Official title: Brain mitochondrial PET imaging and 31P-MR spectroscopy to dissect the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in bioenergetic dysregulation in Dementia with Lewy Bodies pathogenesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11092730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,679,694 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080565-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future related studies might include individuals with or at risk for Dementia with Lewy Bodies, as well as healthy volunteers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Lewy Bodies may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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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
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.