A new study conducted at Banner Sun Health Research Institute is focusing on Lewy body dementia, a condition that impacts over 1 million people in the United States. The research aims to address challenges in diagnosing and treating this form of dementia, which shares symptoms with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
The team at Banner combines research efforts with patient care to help distinguish between types of dementia. This approach enables patients to participate in clinical trials while also receiving specialized support.
James Courtright, a resident of Sun City, Arizona, and his partner Susan Ross described their experience seeking a diagnosis. Susan said, “I knew something was wrong, and the problem was that we had no warning signs this was coming. But once we met with Dr. David Shprecher, our world changed. He knew that James had dementia with Lewy bodies.”
David Shprecher, DO, senior movement disorders director at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, explained the difficulties faced by those living with Lewy body dementia: “Patients living with Lewy body dementia can be tough to diagnose, which means there is a delay in finding effective treatments,” he said. “The expertise by our team to not only help diagnose patients but provide access to the latest treatment options through clinical research is unmatched, and James is now volunteering in a new expanded access program for treatment.”
One focus of the study is zervimesine, an oral medication previously tested in phase 2 clinical trials for its ability to slow symptom progression in Lewy body dementia. An anonymous donation has allowed Banner Sun Health Research Institute to offer the drug through an expanded access program—providing investigational medicines when no other alternatives exist. The institute became the first site worldwide to begin enrolling patients; James Courtright was among the first enrolled nationally and will continue participating for another year as researchers collect long-term data on safety and effectiveness.
James described improvements since starting treatment: “For years, Susan would order for me at restaurants because I couldn’t put sentences together,” he said. “Now, I can order on my own. I make complete sentences, my speech is different, and my actions are different. It’s amazing.”
Susan added that daily life has improved: “In the mornings he would stand there and forget what to do. Now he gets out of bed and knows exactly what he needs to do. Our lives are absolutely more enriched.”
James noted personal motivations for joining the trial: “I have two adult children, and their mother passed away with Alzheimer’s. My family also has a history of Parkinson’s,” he said. “I’m doing this for them, and for my grandkids. I know if I do, I’ll have hope that we’ll have answers – not a cure, but a way to slow down the effects of the disease.”
Banner Sun Health Research Institute has worked since 1986 on aging-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as part of nonprofit Banner Health.
