Why thinking and memory decline vary in Lewy body disorders
Project III: Heterogeneity of Outcomes in Synucleinopathies: Insights from Genomics and Proteomics
This project looks at genes and blood proteins to understand why people with Lewy body disorders develop different patterns and timing of thinking and memory problems.
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-11184462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will compare genetic differences and protein markers in blood and other samples to find links with when memory and thinking problems begin. They will assign likely target genes to risk locations found by large genetic studies and search for protein signatures tied to cognitive decline. The team combines genomics and proteomics across people with Lewy body disorders to uncover biological reasons some people get early cognitive problems and others do not. The work uses existing patient data and biospecimens and could point to tests or targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies who can provide clinical information and blood or other biosamples.
Not a fit: People without Lewy body disorders or those seeking an immediate change in their treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help predict who is likely to develop early cognitive decline and help guide personalized care and future targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and protein-biomarker studies have found risk genes and promising blood signatures in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, but combining genomics and proteomics to explain cognitive differences is relatively new.
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.