Understanding why cognitive outcomes vary in synucleinopathy disorders
Official title: Mechanisms Underlying Heterogeneity of Cognitive Outcomes in Synucleinopathy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10935304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why people with conditions like dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease experience different levels of thinking and memory problems, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how the brain changes in these disorders.
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) | $3,852,175 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AG084497-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Lewy body disorders, such as dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease with Lewy bodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive disorders not related to synucleinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the diverse cognitive outcomes observed in patients with synucleinopathy disorders, such as dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease. It aims to explore how the core pathology of alpha-synuclein inclusions affects the brain's functioning and leads to different clinical trajectories. By examining factors like the interaction of alpha-synuclein with other proteins, genetic influences, and the initial site of pathology, the study seeks to identify why some individuals develop dementia sooner than others. The research involves multiple projects that work together to uncover these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new treatments for cognitive decline in patients with synucleinopathy disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cognitive outcomes in related disorders, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S
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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.