A look at why Lewy body conditions cause visual hallucinations
Official title: Understanding Neural Mechanisms Underlying Visual Hallucinations in Lewy Body Diseases
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT07849413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests brain‑imaging in people with Lewy body diseases who do or don’t experience visual hallucinations, and in healthy volunteers, to see how brain networks might create these images.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 234 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2031 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | September 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07849413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–90 with Lewy body disease (with or without visual hallucinations) who can undergo MRI and have MoCA scores of 24–30.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have Lewy body disease or who cannot undergo MRI may not benefit from the findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study uses non‑invasive brain imaging (MRI/MEG) and simple visual tasks to map brain networks linked to visual hallucinations in Lewy body diseases. It compares three groups: patients with Lewy body disease and visual hallucinations, patients with Lewy body disease without hallucinations, and age‑matched healthy controls. By analyzing brain activity during rest and task performance, researchers aim to identify neural mechanisms that give rise to hallucinations. The findings could inform future treatments targeting the brain pathways involved. This protocol emphasizes careful participant screening and safety for MRI procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify brain networks involved in hallucinations, guiding the development of targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies have used imaging to explore hallucination-related brain networks in related disorders, supporting the potential value of this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: I) LBD Patients with or without visual hallucinations 1. 18 - 90 yrs 2. Fluent in English or Spanish 3. Score at least 24 out of 30 on the MoCA 4. Diagnosed with Lewy Body diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body dementias (Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies) II) Age-matched controls (healthy volunteers) 1. 18 - 90 yrs 2. Fluent in English or Spanish 3. Score at least 26 out of 30 on the MoCA Exclusion Criteria: I) LBD Patients with or without visual hallucinations 1. History of traumatic brain injury or significant head trauma 2. History of significant neurologic disorders other than Lewy body diseases 3. Meets DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse or dependence 4. For MRI studies, any contraindication to MRI as determined by the MRI Safety Screening Form II) Age-matched controls (healthy volunteers) 1. History of traumatic brain injury or significant head trauma 2. History of significant neurologic disorders other than Lewy body diseases 3. Meets DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse or dependence 4. For MRI studies, any contraindication to MRI as determined by the MRI Safety Screening Form
Where it's running
-
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Biyu He, PhD — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Yuan-hao Wu
- Email: Yuanhao.Wu@nyulangone.org
- Phone: 212.263.0307
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
MAO-B PET/CT imaging in Parkinson’s-related diseases
This study tests whether 18F-FPyCO/SMBT-1 PET/CT can help diagnose Parkinson’s-related conditions by measuring lesion uptake in patients with PD, PD dementia, or parkinsonism.
-
Hyperspectral retinal imaging to detect Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative changes
This project will test whether a special retinal camera that scans many wavelengths of light can detect signs of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in people with dementia or at risk.
-
Tributyrin for memory, thinking, and walking problems in Parkinson's disease
This trial will test whether taking tributyrin three times a day for about 80–100 days helps memory, thinking, walking, and balance in adults with Parkinson's disease or Parkinson disease dementia, and will monitor safety.
-
Exergaming for improving health in dementia patients
This study is testing if playing active dance video games three times a week can help improve movement, thinking skills, and mood in older adults with dementia living in care facilities.
-
Collecting data on neurodegenerative diseases progression markers
This study is trying to find new signs that can help doctors understand how neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's progress, so they can improve early treatment options for patients.
-
Biobank for studying ALS and Alzheimer's diseases
This study is collecting blood, skin samples, and health information from people to see how genetics might help us understand and find treatments for ALS and Alzheimer's disease.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.