Dementia with Lewy Bodies

What Causes Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)?
Dementia with Lewy bodies is the second most common form of dementia. The disease is believed to be caused by the abnormal accumulation of the protein α-synuclein into fibrils, the primary component of the Lewy bodies found within brain neurons. Increasing evidence suggests that α-synuclein oligomers disrupt key cellular processes including autophagy and elicit neuronal dysfunction and loss of synapses in DLB

Zervimesine: A Long-Needed Approach to Addressing DLB

Preclinical and early clinical studies of zervimesine (CT1812), our investigational, small-molecule oral therapy, have demonstrated its ability to block harmful α-synuclein oligomers from binding to neurons, which may slow or prevent DLB progression.

Treatments Needed

Only a few symptomatic treatments (to control agitation) for dementia with Lewy bodies are approved today, and at present, no disease-modifying therapeutics exist for these patients. Cognition Therapeutics conducted the Phase 2 SHIMMER study to investigate whether zervimesine has a beneficial effect in adults diagnosed with mild to moderate DLB. The study was supported by a grant awarded by the National Institute of Aging (part of the National Institutes of Health).

A video of the study results as presented by James. E. Galvin, MD, MPH is available here. Dr. Galvin is the director of the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and was the SHIMMER study director.

SYMPTOMS OF DLB

DLB causes more than just memory problems. Physicians refer to DLB as an executive attention disorder, meaning it impairs people’s ability to solve problems and think through tasks. Symptoms of DLB include but are not limited to:
  • Fluctuating alertness and attention levels
  • Psychosis and behavioral symptoms:
    • Vivid visual and auditory hallucinations
    • Delusions
    • Agitation and anxiety
  • Motor symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease:
    • Resting tremors
    • Muscle stiffness
    • Shuffling gait
  • REM sleep disorder (acting out dreams while sleeping)
Some of these symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and delusions, present severe daily challenges for patients and their caregivers, making routine activities unpredictable and distressing. Because many of its symptoms overlap with Alzheimer’s disease, DLB is frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, delaying care and reducing treatment options.

Understanding DLB Psychosis

Approximately 80% of people with DLB experience some combination of neuropsychiatric symptoms, which can vary in presentation and severity but include delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression and depression.

The early onset of psychosis symptoms is a critical factor that helps distinguish DLB from other dementias, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

The unpredictability and complexity of these symptoms place a considerable burden on patients and caregivers. They don’t just disrupt everyday life; they also lead to considerable emotional strain, as well as earlier institutionalization for patients, leading to increased healthcare needs and costs.

Antipsychotic medications that are used in other diseases are not approved for the treatment of DLB, due to the high risk of severe, and sometimes fatal, adverse reactions including severe parkinsonism, sedation, and immobility.

Our Commitment to the DLB Community

Cognition Therapeutics is dedicated to raising awareness about DLB – particularly its risk factors, signs, symptoms, and profound impact on patients and caregivers. By partnering with physician experts, advocates, DLB patients, and their caregivers, we are gaining important firsthand insights into the great burden and significant daily challenges DLB poses to those impacted. For practical guidance and personal stories from DLB patients and caregivers, tune into our Cognition Conversations podcast.

Phase 2 SHIMMER study:

  • Complete with results: 130 adults with mild-to-moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) were randomized to receive one of two doses of zervimesine or placebo for six months.
  • Supported by a $30 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • On December 18, 2024, a webcast was held to review topline results from the SHIMMER study. Click here for the archive.
  • For more information, please visit clinicaltrials.gov and reference study ID NCT05225415.
Scroll to Top

You are now leaving the Cognition Therapeutics website

Cognition Therapeutics assumes no responsibility for the content of third-party website. Neither does Cognition control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of third-party sites. We encourage you to read and evaluate terms of use, privacy and other policies of the destination site as they may differ from Cognition’s policies.
Continue to www.clinicaltrials.gov

Thank you for your interest in Cognition’s publications. A PDF of the poster you are interested in will be made available in accordance with the congress’ embargo policy. Please check back soon. 

You are now leaving the Cognition Therapeutics website

Cognition Therapeutics assumes no responsibility for the content of third-party website. Neither does Cognition control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of third-party sites. We encourage you to read and evaluate terms of use, privacy and other policies of the destination site as they may differ from Cognition’s policies.

Continue to www.brightfocus.org

You are now leaving the Cognition Therapeutics website

Cognition Therapeutics assumes no responsibility for the content of third-party website. Neither does Cognition control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of third-party sites. We encourage you to read and evaluate terms of use, privacy and other policies of the destination site as they may differ from Cognition’s policies.

Continue to www.preventblindness.org

You are now leaving the Cognition Therapeutics website

Cognition Therapeutics assumes no responsibility for the content of third-party website. Neither does Cognition control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of third-party sites. We encourage you to read and evaluate terms of use, privacy and other policies of the destination site as they may differ from Cognition’s policies.

Continue to https://lewybodyresourcecenter.org/

You are now leaving the Cognition Therapeutics website

Cognition Therapeutics assumes no responsibility for the content of third-party website. Neither does Cognition control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of third-party sites. We encourage you to read and evaluate terms of use, privacy and other policies of the destination site as they may differ from Cognition’s policies.

Continue to www.lbda.org

You are now leaving the Cognition Therapeutics website

Cognition Therapeutics assumes no responsibility for the content of third-party website. Neither does Cognition control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of third-party sites. We encourage you to read and evaluate terms of use, privacy and other policies of the destination site as they may differ from Cognition’s policies.

Continue to www.alz.org