New research sheds more light on Lewy body dementia
NewsResearch published in the journal 'Acta Neuropathologica' highlights an increase of fats called ceramides in the brains of people with lewy body dementia alongside an increase in protein alpha-synuclein.
The finding of these two together marks a potential breakthrough in achieving earlier and accurate diagnoses - something often challenging in Lewy body dementia.
The findings from this study are significant not only as they bring us closer to finding out why nerve cells die in Lewy body dementia, but also importantly, pave the way towards sensitive and accurate testing for the disease.
Dr Kurzawa-Akanbi, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute
Find out more about the research, or read the paper online.
This study focuses chiefly on the ceramides. If you are Interested in the role that the protein alpha-synuclein plays in Lewy body dementia, our forthcoming course, Lewy Body Bitesize features a short research update from Caoimhe Tyndall on her work looking at how alpha-synuclein become part of a Lewy body.
Keep an eye out for the virtual course, going live very soon.
Kurzawa-Akanbi, M., Tammireddy, S., Fabrik, I. et al. Altered ceramide metabolism is a feature in the extracellular vesicle-mediated spread of alpha-synuclein in Lewy body disorders. Acta Neuropathol 142, 961-984 (2021).https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-021-02367-3
Related articles
Lewy Body Academy
Focussing on dementia with Lewy bodies (previously known as Lewy body disease), and Parkinson's disease dementia, this specialist training ensures people with these dementias do not fall through the gaps in care.