Understanding end-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies
Official title: Identifying Factors Predicting ACcurately End-of-Life in Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Promoting Quality End-of-Life Experiences: the PACE-DLB Study
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10831486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what affects the end-of-life experiences for people with dementia with Lewy bodies and their caregivers, so we can help families get better support and information during this tough time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $657,890 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG068128-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with moderate dementia with Lewy bodies and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage DLB or those without a caregiver may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that predict end-of-life outcomes for individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and aims to enhance the quality of their end-of-life experiences. By enrolling dyads of patients with moderate DLB and their caregivers, the study will track changes every six months to identify predictors of death and factors influencing caregiver experiences. The goal is to provide families with better information and support during this challenging time, ultimately improving care for those affected by DLB.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved end-of-life care and support for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding predictors of end-of-life experiences can significantly improve care for dementia patients, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Armstrong, Melissa Jo — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Armstrong, Melissa Jo
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.
-
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.
-
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.