Participants
Marcelle Reis Rosmaninho
What is Dementia with Lewy Bodies and How Can We Cure It?
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is a common form of memory loss in elders. DLB is characterised by the build-up of α-synuclein in the brainstem, limbic and neocortical regions of the brain. The symptoms of DLB are usually characterised as memory loss, visual hallucinations, Parkinsonism, and REM sleep behavioural disorders. The aim of my project was to test if the symptoms of DLB are due to a build-up of α-synuclein in neuronal synapses, which causes damage to neuronal cells. The ability to detect pathological α-synuclein would enhance our understanding of how α-synuclein interacts and damages neurons, therefore, allowing us to identify early pathological changes that may lead to DLB, and in the future a possible cure.
Funded by: Newcastle University Research Scholarship
Project Supervisor: Dr Chris M Morris