NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding the role of a brain protein in Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Distinguishing α-Synuclein S129 Phosphorylation in Health and Lewy Body Dementia

Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11170616 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a brain protein called α-synuclein to see how it changes in Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions for patients like you.

More Dementia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$268,500
NIH project number5R21AG085401-02
Project IDNIH-11170616 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or related dementias.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Lewy Body or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of α-synuclein, a protein in the brain, in conditions like Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on distinguishing between normal and abnormal forms of a specific phosphorylated version of this protein, which is crucial for understanding the disease processes. By examining how this protein behaves under different conditions, the research aims to uncover insights that could lead to better treatments for these dementias. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic interventions based on the findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for patients with Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of α-synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ramalingam, Nagendran — Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Ramalingam, Nagendran

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.