Overview
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 15–20% of dementia patients at autopsy. However, it is often underdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While alpha-synuclein accumulation is a hallmark of DLB, recent evidence suggests that synaptic impairment plays a critical role in cognitive decline. This project will investigate synaptic dysfunction in DLB using biomarkers and neuroimaging.
Project Details
We will study synaptic loss in DLB by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and conducting advanced neuroimaging scans. Participants will be recruited from the Cognitive Center of Neurology, Paris, a tertiary memory clinic specializing in dementia care. We will measure synaptic proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and conduct 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET scans to identify metabolic patterns associated with synaptic impairment. Our hypothesis is that we can classify DLB patients into distinct subgroups based on synaptic dysfunction, which could improve early diagnosis and predict disease progression. Findings from this study will contribute to the validation of novel biomarkers and the development of targeted neuroprotection therapies. By improving diagnostic precision, this research has the potential to shape future clinical trials and treatment strategies for DLB.
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