Bridging the Gap in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) Research: Biomarker Development and Investigation of Cognitive Fluctuations using MEG

Are you interested in contributing to cutting-edge research aimed at understanding the complexities of aging and neurodegeneration? We invite individuals with normal aging and diagnoses such as Lewy body dementia (LBD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Parkinson’s disease (PD) to participate in our study.

This Study is conducted at the Dorothy Mangurian Neuroimaging Suite, located on the Fixel Campus of University of Florida Health in Gainesville, FL.

Purpose

The study seeks to delve deep into the neural mechanisms underlying normal aging and neurodegeneration, including LBD. By employing advanced neuroimaging techniques such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we aim to investigate brain activity, structural abnormalities, and disruptions in brain networks associated with these conditions. Ultimately, our goal is to pioneer early diagnostic biomarkers and personalized treatment strategies for these debilitating diseases.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

MEG is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive electrophysiological tool that measures magnetic fields generated by neural activity in the brain. With excellent temporal (< 0.2 millisecond) and spatial resolutions, MEG offers an ideal electrodiagnostic method for exploring alterations in brain function and networks across various neurological conditions, including LBD. Join us as we harness the unique capabilities of MEG to deepen our understanding of these complex conditions.

An individual undergoing MEG scan while engaging with visual stimuli displayed on a screen in front of her
Dr. Babajani-Feremi, Director of the MEG Lab, reviewing data from a participant in the MEG Lab

Eligibility

  • Diagnosis of cognitive impairment due to LBD (or AD/MCI/PD)
  • Age 18 or older
  • Fluency in English

Procedures

Participants will engage in:

  • Completion of questionnaires assessing cognition, function, sleep quality, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
  • MEG scans to record brain activity during rest and simple tasks.
  • MRI scans to examine detailed brain anatomy and connections.
  • Collection of clinical data, medical history, diagnoses, and prior neuroimaging scans with consent.

Contact Information

Study Coordinator:
Zohreh Morshedizad, MD
Email: z.morshedizad@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-733-3246
Address: 3011 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608


Principal Investigator:
Abbas Babajani-Feremi, PhD
Email: babajani.a@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-733-3238

Study Information Flyer

Nina Study Flyer

Principal Investigator

Abbas Babajani-Feremi, PhD

Proxy: Melissa Armstrong, MD