Under the Microscope, our new series, is giving you a closer look at the pioneering researchers racing to beat dementia. Step inside the lab to discover the ideas they’re testing, the breakthroughs they’re chasing, and how your support is powering their research. In this first instalment, we take a closer look at Lewy body dementia.
What is it and what causes it?
Lewy body dementia is an umbrella term for two different types of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia. It primarily affects a person’s thinking and movement abilities and may also cause hallucinations, changes in alertness and sleep disturbances.
It is caused by abnormal clumps of protein – called Lewy bodies – that form inside brain cells. They disrupt how brain cells work, especially in areas responsible for thinking, movement and visual perception. The exact cause of Lewy bodies formation in the brain and how they lead to dementia is still unknown.
The difference between the two types comes down to timing:
- In DLB, problems with thinking and memory typically appear first, with movement difficulties developing at the same time or later.
- In Parkinson’s disease dementia, movement symptoms happen first with cognitive problems developing at least a year or more after.
Inside the labs racing to beat Lewy body dementia
From unexpected breakthroughs to powerful collaborations, we are supporting groundbreaking research to find a cure – faster.
Meet some of the key figures involved inside the fight against Lewy body dementia.
Dr David Koss – University of Dundee
Supported by our Ignition Fund, Dr Koss is leading research into how damage to genes and failure to repair them can contribute to dementia, specifically Lewy body dementia, and how damaged genes can cause it.
Most research in this area suggests that damaged genes come from a component in the cell called mitochondria, however David’s team have found excessive amounts of gene damage in another cell component – the nucleus. By comparing the gene damage in both components, they aim to determine where the damage begins, providing vital insight for developing accurate models to test new drugs.
Team Focused Ultrasound – University of Oxford
Focused ultrasound is an innovative, non-invasive technology that uses high-frequency sound waves, guided by MRI, to precisely target tissue deep inside the body – without surgery.
Many of the symptoms of Lewy body dementia are believed to be caused by the progressive loss of a type of brain cell that produces acetylcholine, which carries messages around the body. The team, based at the University of Oxford, use focused ultrasound technology to stimulate these brain cells to see if they can increase the amount of acetylcholine that they produce and improve memory and attention in participants.
Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia together is thought to make up 10-15 per cent of all dementia cases, yet effective treatments remain limited. This is the first trial of focused ultrasound targeting this brain area in Lewy body dementia. If proven to be effective, larger trials will follow – paving the way for development into widespread clinical use.
Researchers are breaking new ground, pioneering novel approaches and technology, offering real hope for the future. The race is on – and every step forward counts.
