Why some people with Parkinson's develop early thinking and attention problems
Investigating the Neurobiology of Early Cognitive Impairment
Researchers are looking at how a Parkinson's-linked gene change might cause early attention and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261159 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Icahn School of Medicine are using mice that carry the human LRRK2 G2019S mutation to learn why thinking problems appear early in some people with Parkinson's. They run attention, processing speed, and fronto-striatal learning tests (including tasks like the 5-choice serial reaction time test) and examine the underlying brain circuits and molecular changes. The team compares males and females because early cognitive decline shows sex differences in humans and in preliminary mouse results. Findings are intended to point toward biological targets for future therapies to slow or prevent dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's who are noticing early attention, processing speed, or learning problems—especially those who carry or are at risk for the LRRK2 G2019S mutation—are the most likely to benefit from insights from this work.
Not a fit: People whose dementia is driven primarily by Alzheimer's disease or by non-Parkinson causes may be less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain pathways to target so future treatments can slow or prevent early cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have linked LRRK2 changes to brain dysfunction and risk for Parkinson's, but using this knockin model to explain early cognitive deficits and sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huntley, George W. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Huntley, George W.
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 below.