New Mouse Model May Shed Light on Dementia

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have created the first mouse model with the type of brain pathology found in those with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) or dementia due to Parkinson's disease.

Both kinds of dementia involve Lewy bodies -- protein deposits inside of nerve cells in the brain -- but how or why they develop is a mystery. The researchers hope that the mouse model will help them understand how Lewy bodies form and how they are related to the brain degeneration found in those with LBD or dementia due to Parkinson's. If they can do that, perhaps new treatments can be explored that better address the causes of these difficult conditions.

For more information:

• Lewy Body Dementia
• Parkinson's Disease
• When It's Not Alzheimer's: 10 Other Types of Dementia

Photo of Lewy Bodies in Brain Tissue © Lewy Net, University of Nottingham