Why thinking and memory change differently in Lewy body diseases
Mechanisms Underlying Heterogeneity of Cognitive Outcomes in Synucleinopathy
Researchers will look at how brain proteins, genetics, and where pathology starts affect thinking and memory in people with Lewy body disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Alzheimer’s with Lewy bodies.
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 ID | NIH-11184443 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This Penn Center brings together multiple projects to understand why some people with Lewy body disorders develop dementia quickly while others remain stable for years. Teams will combine clinical data, brain imaging, genetic and proteomic tests, and studies of brain tissue and lab models to study alpha-synuclein, beta-amyloid, and tau interactions and the shape of alpha-synuclein. The work will compare patient samples and outcomes with experimental models to link biology to real-world cognitive differences. The goal is to identify markers that predict cognitive decline and point to targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Lewy body disorders (Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies) or Alzheimer's disease with Lewy bodies who can provide clinical information, biospecimens, or undergo imaging would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without Lewy body pathology or those seeking an immediate approved treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit during this research program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help predict who is at higher risk for cognitive decline and guide development of targeted therapies to slow or prevent dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked alpha-synuclein, amyloid, tau, and genetic factors to disease risk, but this coordinated center approach to explain differing cognitive outcomes is a broader and more integrated effort.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen-Plotkin, Alice S
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.