Understanding how cholinergic degeneration affects cognitive fluctuations in Lewy body dementia
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Cholinergic Degeneration in Cognitive Fluctuations in Lewy Body Dementia
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11124545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the ups and downs in attention and alertness that people with Lewy body dementia experience, to better understand how changes in the brain affect these episodes, with the hope of finding ways to help improve daily life for those living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $732,992 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142622-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementia who experience cognitive fluctuations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia that do not exhibit cognitive fluctuations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive fluctuations (CF) experienced by individuals with Lewy body dementia (LBD), which are unpredictable episodes of reduced attention and alertness. The study aims to understand the role of cholinergic degeneration in these fluctuations, as this degeneration is more pronounced in LBD compared to other dementias. By examining alterations in brain activity through EEG, the research seeks to establish a method for real-time assessment of CF and inform future treatment strategies. The findings could lead to better management of daily activities and overall quality of life for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve the understanding and management of cognitive fluctuations in Lewy body dementia, enhancing patients' daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive fluctuations in dementia, but this specific approach focusing on cholinergic degeneration in LBD is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barrett, Matthew James — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Barrett, Matthew James
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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.