By VCU Health Public Relations 

Virginia Commonwealth University is one of several research sites involved in a major national study focused on improving detection and diagnosis of Lewy body dementia – one of the most common types of progressive dementia in the United States. 

Lewy bodies –– abnormal clumps of alpha-synuclein proteins –– cause brain nerve cells to die and lead to progressive decline in brain function. It has been difficult for doctors to diagnose and appropriately treat this disease because symptoms are similar to Alzheimer's disease and mental health disorders, and historically, tests could only confirm Lewy bodies after death. While new tests can detect these proteins earlier in life, there are still critical gaps in understanding how early these changes can be identified. 

A new, multi-site research collaboration recently launched to address these diagnostic gaps by evaluating screening approaches. The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio received a $2.5 million award to lead the national study, funded by the Lewy Body Dementia Association.  

The study, called “Clin-Syn: Validation of Multimodal α-Synuclein Biomarkers and Repository for People with Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer’s Disease,” is being pursued in collaboration with the University of Florida, University of California San Francisco and Virginia Commonwealth University. 

“Our efforts will help transform how we diagnose and eventually treat those affected by dementia with Lewy bodies,” said Matthew Barrett, M.D., lead researcher for the VCU site, vice chair for translational research and professor in the Department of Neurology at VCU School of Medicine. “This collaboration will influence the field and ultimately improve care for patients and families affected by this devastating disease.” 

Following Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia is the second most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia. While Alzheimer’s primarily affects memory, language and thinking, Lewy body dementia is marked by early movement symptoms like tremors, vivid hallucinations, dream enactment behavior and unpredictable daily fluctuations in alertness. There is no cure for the condition; treatment is currently focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. 

This story was adapted from a news release from UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio.

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