Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in Lewy Body Conditions
Official title: Microbiome-gut-brain dysfunction in prodromal and symptomatic Lewy body diseases
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11159594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how changes in gut bacteria might be connected to brain changes in people with early or active Lewy body conditions like Parkinson's Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $889,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133569-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for related future studies might include individuals with idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder or those in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease Dementia or Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are not related to Lewy body diseases or gut microbiome imbalances may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Lewy body conditions, including Parkinson's Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, cause significant memory and thinking problems that are hard to treat. We believe that an imbalance in gut bacteria, specifically an increase in certain types, along with a leaky gut, might play a key role in these conditions. This project aims to see if these gut changes are present early on and if they are linked to brain degeneration and symptoms. We are particularly interested in people with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, as this often signals the start of a Lewy body condition. By understanding these connections, we hope to uncover new ways to help people affected by these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for treatments that address the gut-brain connection in Lewy body conditions, potentially slowing progression or improving symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific link between gut bacteria and early Lewy body conditions is a novel area of focus for this project, increasing evidence suggests a perturbed gut microbiome may drive disease pathogenesis in these conditions.
Where this research is happening
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Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryman, Sephira — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Ryman, Sephira
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.