Progress Report
Study Rationale: This project brings together leading investigators to improve our ability to diagnose the Parkinson’s disease associated disorder, Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). There is a great need to improve our ability to diagnose this disorder, which is often mis-diagnosed and as early as possible to allow for appropriate treatment.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that we can use these new tools to improve accuracy in diagnosing people with dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson’s disease, at the very earliest stages of their disease process.
Study Design: We are using a new way to analyze a brain imaging technique, “dopamine scan”, to see if we can improve our ability to see changes before symptoms begin. Our team is investigating combining these dopamine imaging scans with other biomarkers for a more comprehensive assessment of early disease.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: These methods could impact our ability to diagnose both Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies. This would assist in guiding current and new treatments for both disorders.
Next Steps for Development: With these findings, we are moving to a new “biological diagnosis” of dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson’s disease. Next steps would be to examine these tests in a broader community.