The Syn-D Study is a research study that aims to distinguish dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer’s disease in people at the early stages. This study may help advance early diagnosis of DLB.
What is this study about?
Researchers will evaluate a skin biopsy test that measures a protein that is implicated in DLB, called phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN), which can be found in nerve fibers. The purpose is to assess whether the test distinguishes early DLB from early Alzheimer’s disease, and whether the test can provide valuable information about severity and progression of DLB.
What’s involved?
Participants will have two study visits over approximately one year. Each of these visits will include questions about the participant’s medical history, a neurological exam, and questionnaires. A medical professional will also take three small skin samples.
Participants will be paid $100 per completed visit.
Participants who wish to receive their test results may do so. Results are expected within six weeks of testing.
Who can participate?
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
- Between the ages of 50 and 85
- Have early-stage dementia with Lewy bodies or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- Have heart disease
- Have had a stroke
- Use certain blood thinners
- Have a history of scarring or keloid formation
Study Sites:
| State | City | Study Site Name | Study Contact | Email and Phone Number |
| Massachusetts | Boston | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Sarrah Marcotte | sjmarcot@bidmc.harvard.edu 800-392-2222 |
| Colorado | Englewood (Denver area) | CenExel RMCR | Alyssa Andreen | a.andreen@cenexel.com 720-639-9343 |
| Massachusetts | Plymouth | Practice of Donald S. Marks, MD, PC | Erin Kearney | erink@dsmmdpc.com 508-746-5060 |
| Massachusetts | Boston | Massachusetts General | Erin Peterec | epeterec@mgh.harvard.edu 860-287-6214 |
| Florida | Winter Park (Orlando area) | N1 Research Center | Jennifer Morgera | admin@neurologyone.net 407-916-0304 |
| Louisiana | New Orleans | Ochsner Research | Anna Leonard | anna.leonard@ochsner.org 504-842-0148 |
| California | San Diego | University of California San Diego | Marie-Laure Gollier | magollier@health.ucsd.edu 858-822-4800 |
| Florida | Miami | University of Miami Medical Center | [XXX] | [XXX] |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | University of Utah | Kendra Fowler | kendra.fowler@utah.edu 801-581-7828 |
| Tennessee | Nashville | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | [XXX] | [XXX] |
Study Sponsor:
CND Life Sciences
Major funding for this study is provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
To Find Other Studies:
Click here to see LBD studies that are currently seeking participants.
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