Understanding how alpha-synuclein spreads in the brain of patients with Lewy body dementia
Official title: Project I: Alpha Synucleinopathy in the Human Brain Connectome
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10935309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein related to Lewy body dementia spreads in the brain, and it's for people with Lewy body dementia to help find better ways to understand their condition and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $634,597 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AG084497-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementia or related disorders, particularly those exhibiting cognitive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia that do not involve alpha-synuclein pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create predictive models to understand how alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Lewy body dementia, spreads in the human brain. By studying patients with Lewy body dementia, the project seeks to identify different biological subgroups based on the presence of Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain. The researchers will utilize advanced network science techniques to analyze the complex relationships between brain structure and cognitive symptoms. This approach could lead to the development of new biomarkers that help track disease progression and improve patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with Lewy body dementia and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurodegenerative diseases through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Irwin, David John — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Irwin, David John
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.