Scientists create first 3D digital brain

[Source: BBC] Researchers have created the first high-resolution 3D digital model of the human brain, which they have called “Big Brain”. The reconstruction shows the brain’s anatomy in microscopic detail, enabling researchers to see features smaller than a strand of hair. It will be made freely available to neuroscientists to help them in their research. […]

Acting out dreams linked to development of Lewy body dementia

The strongest predictor of whether a man is developing dementia with Lewy bodies — the second most common form of dementia in the elderly — is whether he acts out his dreams while sleeping, Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered. Patients are five times more likely to have dementia with Lewy bodies if they experience a […]

Research questionnaire – thank you to participants

I would like to thank everybody who contributed to my recent survey looking at the support and information given to families when one of them has a diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The survey ran for a month and is now closed but during that time 125 people responded which gives me an excellent […]

Landmark neurodegenerative disease breakthrough

A landmark breakthrough by British scientists at the University of Leicester is reported on the BBC. A chemical which can stop brain cell death in a neurodegenerative disease could hold the key for treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntingdon’s diseases, scientists say. Use this link to the BBC report. An excellent followup article also from the […]

Deep Brain Stimulation – TED Talk by Neurosurgeon Andres Lozano

‏Neurosurgeon Andres Lozano gives an amazing TED talk on deep brain stimulation for correcting the symptoms of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dystonia and depression. (15 mins 35 secs). Deep brain stimulation is becoming very precise. This technique allows surgeons to place electrodes in almost any area of the brain, and turn them up or down — like […]

Diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies receives funding boost

A trial to speed up and improve diagnosis rates for dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is one of 21 pioneering research projectsto receive a share of £22 million of Government funding. DLB accounts for up to 20 per cent of all cases, yet only one in three are actually diagnosed. The trial aims to produce […]

Past research grants

The LBS funded two Innovation Grants with Parkinson’s UK for research which increased understanding of Lewy body dementias. Dr Jose Bras and his team at University College, London received a grant of £35,000 to analyse the DNA of 700 people with DLB in  order to look for subtle genetic changes which  have led to further […]

BrainFacts.org

BrainFacts.org is an authoritative source of information about the brain and nervous system for the public. This site contains a huge amount of information of all the latest information on the science of the brain. “The brain is the most complex biological structure in the known universe. It is a topic rich with exciting new […]

Summary of our doctoral student’s PhD research

“Role of Glucocerebrosidase mutations in Dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease” Marzena Kurzawa PhD thesis Supervisors Prof. Patrick Chinnery, Dr Christopher Morris Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common form of age-related neurodegenerative dementia, that is clinically and pathologically related to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease. […]

Doctoral research

Our sponsored Ph.D. student describes her project: “My PhD project investigates genes and molecular processes which might lead to dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene. It has recently been suggested that the presence of a faulty GBA gene contributes to the risk of developing DLB and […]