Research Studies: Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Currently Enrolling Studies

Cognitive Function Study in Parkinsonian Disorders

This pilot study is evaluating cognitive tasks designed to detect very early changes in thinking abilities.

We are enrolling individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) who have normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participation includes a brief screening (MoCA if needed) and completion of cognitive tasks.

To learn more or participate, please contact Hyunmin Kim, Study Coordinator:  hys008@ucsd.edu

Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium

• The purpose of this study is to allow for the discovery of biomarkers and promote additional future research to improve the diagnosis, care and treatment in dementia with Lewy bodies.

• The consortium will collect detailed clinical information, biofluids, imaging data and ultimately autopsy results from individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies, mild cognitive impairment with a high likelihood of dementia with Lewy bodies, or Parkinson's disease dementia. There will be annual visits for up to 5 years. A study partner/caregiver is required.

Closed Studies

RT-QuIC: Premortem detection of misfolded proteins in biopsy skin samples and saliva in parkinsonism

• The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of a procedure called a skin punch biopsy to lead to an earlier diagnosis. Skin biopsy could be a useful way to diagnose and measure the severity of these conditions.

• Participation in this study would involve one visit lasting about 3 hours for a physical exam, questionnaires, a memory test, a punch skin biopsy, and blood draw. 

RewinD-LB: A Phase 2b Clinical Study of the P38 Alpha Kinase Inhibitor Neflamapimod in Patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

• This study will evaluate neflamapimod, compared to a placebo, to see if it can improve learning skills, problem solving skills, and memory loss in people with DLB.
• This study is currently recruiting participants over the age of 55 with a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies
• Click here to view the RewinD-LB study flyer

AscenD-LB: Cognitive Effects of Oral p38 Alpha Kinase Inhibitor Neflamapimod in Dementia with Lewy Bodies

• The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a study drug called Neflamapimod on cognitive function in patients diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

• People with dementia with Lewy bodies will use an oral medication for 21 weeks. The study will involve up to eight visits. Neurological examination and neuropsychological testing will be performed at each visit. A study partner/caregiver is required.

LBD-TOROS: Sex-Specific Environmental and Reproductive Health Risk Factors for Lewy Body Dementia Survey

• The purpose of this research study is to determine which environmental, occupational or reproductive health factors play a role in Lewy body dementia (LBD) and age of onset for dementia, and to identify specific risk factors for women and men. 
• Participation in this research should last approximately 30-45 minutes and involves completing a one time surve online or by phone. A gift card will be provided to participants
• We are recruiting adults with LBD (Parkinson's disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies) and adults without any Parkinsonian disorder or cognitive decline. 
• Click here to view the study flyer for those with LBD
• Click here to view the study flyer for those without LBD