Mechanistic Insights into Processes Driving Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment in Lewy Body Dementia

 

Amelia Ikwue, Joe O’Neill, John-Paul Taylor, Rimona S. Weil, Daniel Erskine

 

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer's disease1. • LBD includes Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)2. • LBD is characterised by the accumulation of α-synuclein into Lewy bodies2. • Iron accumulation has been linked to cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease3. • Excess iron promotes oxidative stress and neuronal damage. • The mechanisms underlying neuronal loss and cognitive decline in LBD remain unclear.

 

Aims

Characterise the relationships between LBD pathology, neuronal loss, co-pathologies, and cognitive decline. • Determine whether iron accumulation and oxidative damage contribute to neuronal loss independently of Lewy body pathology. • Evaluate 7T MRI markers of brain iron and their association with clinical outcomes in LBD.