The neurochemistry of dementia with Lewy Bodies

Lead Investigator: Professor Paul Francis
Institution: University College London
Grant type: PhD
Duration: 3 years
Amount: £75,000

Scientific Title: The neurochemistry of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia with Lewy Bodies.

What do we already know?

People with dementia with Lewy Bodies often experience psychiatric symptoms like depression and delusions. Research indicates that symptoms may be due to a decrease in the ability of these people's brains to respond to the 'happy hormone' serotonin.

These diseases are not well understood so patients are often treated with anti-psychotic drugs which are often unsuitable and can cause severe side effects.

There is a pressing need for research into the biological basis of these diseases.

What does this project involve?

The PhD student will analyse post mortem samples of brain tissue from patients with these diseases.

This work will characterise the chemical events that have occurred in the brain cells, and try to confirm the role of serotonin in the disease.

How will this work benefit people with dementia?

This work will be crucial in identifying novel targets for drug treatment.

It will also help in work to identify biomarkers for diagnosis of these poorly understood forms of dementia.