Many people with Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Alzheimer's disease have similar symptoms, especially in the early stages. This can make it hard for doctors to know exactly what is causing a person's memory, thinking, or movement problems.
The Clin-Syn study aims to learn more about biological changes in the body to help doctors better identify and understand these diseases, particularly in the early stages. This is important to help guide diagnosis and care, including developing new treatments for these diseases.
What is this study about?
Researchers are studying several different tests, called biomarkers, that may help identify signs of Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Biomarkers can come from blood, spinal fluid, skin samples, brain scans, and other tests.
Researchers want to learn:
- Which biomarkers work best for detecting Lewy body disease and Alzheimer's disease.
- How these biomarkers relate to symptoms such as memory changes, movement problems, sleep issues, and thinking changes.
- How complicated biomarker test results can be shared with families in a helpful way.
The information collected will help researchers better understand these diseases and may improve diagnosis and future treatments.
What is involved?
Most study activities occur during one comprehensive visit, although procedures may be scheduled across multiple days based on participant preference and scheduling needs.
Participants will:
- Complete memory, thinking, and health assessments.
- Provide blood, nasal swab, and saliva samples.
- Have a lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) to collect spinal fluid.
- Have small skin biopsies.
- Complete brain imaging (a brain MRI and a DaTscan).
Additional Details:
- Study duration: participants will complete the study over one or several visits, depending on scheduling and personal preference.
- Study format: In-person with a study partner (required). This is someone who is in frequent contact with you, knows your day-to-day abilities well, and can come to visits.
- Study Results: Participants will have the option to receive clinical testing results in follow-up visits.
Who can participate?
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are 50 years of age or older.
- Speak English or Spanish.
- Are willing to undergo a lumbar puncture, skin biopsy, MRI, and DaTscan.
- Have a study partner who can provide information about symptoms and daily functioning.
- Meet criteria for one of the following groups:
- Mild cognitive impairment due to suspected Lewy body disease or mild dementia with Lewy bodies
- Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia
- Cognitively unimpaired adults serving as comparison participants
Exclusion Criteria:
- Certain medical conditions, medications, or safety concerns may make a person ineligible to participate.
Study staff will review eligibility requirements and study procedures in more detail with interested individuals.
Study Site
| State | City | Site Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | San Antonio | UT Health San Antonio | Iveliz Sanchez-Cruz Study Coordinator [email protected] |
Study Funder/Sponsor
This study is funded by the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA).
Contact Information
To learn more about the study or find out whether you may be eligible, contact the study site using the information listed above. You can also call:
Name: April Boreham, Clin-Syn Program Manager
Organization: UT Health San Antonio
Phone: 210-567-5385
Email: [email protected]
