Dr Jay Amin, University of Southampton
“Thanks to funding from the Lewy Body Society, we have been studying whether inflammation in the body affects how quickly Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) progresses.
DLB is one of the most common causes of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. However, it remains under-researched, and we still do not have treatments that can slow its progression. For people living with DLB, this makes the need for research especially urgent.
Previous studies, including our own, suggest that the immune system may be overactive in the early stages of DLB. Research in Alzheimer’s disease has shown that infections and higher levels of inflammation in the blood are linked to faster decline. We wanted to understand whether similar processes are happening in LBD.
With support from the Lewy Body Society, we are carrying out a four-year study in Southampton. We are recruiting 30 people with early DLB and 20 control participants. Participants are assessed at the start of the study and then twice more over two years. At each visit, we collect clinical information and blood samples.
We are analysing these blood samples to measure markers of inflammation and signs of “immune ageing”. We are also recording any infections or inflammatory events that occur during the study. This will allow us to explore whether higher levels of inflammation, or more frequent infections, are linked to faster disease progression.
This type of long-term, detailed study is only possible because of dedicated research funding. Charity grants play a crucial role in enabling work that might otherwise not be supported, particularly in conditions like DLB that have historically received less research investment.
If we find that inflammation is linked to faster progression, it could open the door to future clinical trials testing anti-inflammatory treatments in DLB. That would represent an important step toward slowing the disease.
Progress in medical research takes time and sustained support. We are very grateful to the Lewy Body Society for making this study possible, and proud to contribute to improving understanding of DLB.”
We welcome applications to our current grant round for projects that will increase our understanding of Lewy body dementia as well as improving care for people living with this condition and their families and carers.
Find out more about how to apply for LBS funding here. The deadline for applications: 5pm, Friday, 10 April, 2026.
