James Leverenz

James B. Leverenz, MD

Recent Research (2024-2026)

Dr. Leverenz continues to lead cutting-edge research on Lewy body disorders and atypical parkinsonism. Recent publications include:

[ATN cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies: Initial results from the United States Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37740924/) Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2024.

[Concerns with the new biological research criteria for synucleinopathy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38876736/) Lancet Neurology. 2024.

[Relationships between plasma biomarkers, tau PET, FDG PET, and volumetric MRI in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease patients.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38988416/) Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring. 2024.

[X-chromosome-wide association study for Alzheimer's disease.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39633006/) Molecular Psychiatry. 2025.

Overview

...

James B. Leverenz, MD

Recent Research (2024-2026)

Dr. Leverenz continues to lead cutting-edge research on Lewy body disorders and atypical parkinsonism. Recent publications include:

[ATN cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies: Initial results from the United States Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37740924/) Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2024.

[Concerns with the new biological research criteria for synucleinopathy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38876736/) Lancet Neurology. 2024.

[Relationships between plasma biomarkers, tau PET, FDG PET, and volumetric MRI in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease patients.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38988416/) Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring. 2024.

[X-chromosome-wide association study for Alzheimer's disease.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39633006/) Molecular Psychiatry. 2025.

Overview

Dr. James B. Leverenz is a neurologist specializing in neurodegenerative disorders, with particular expertise in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and Alzheimer's disease. He practices at the Cleveland Clinic.

Professional Background

• Position: Director, Center for Neurological Restoration
• Institution: Cleveland Clinic
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Clinical and Research Focus

Dr. Leverenz's clinical and research work focuses on:

• Dementia with Lewy bodies: Diagnosis, biomarkers, and treatment
• Atypical Parkinsonism: PSP and related disorders
• Alzheimer's Disease: Clinical trials and biomarker research
• Neuroimaging: PET and MRI biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases

Clinical Care

Dr. Leverenz provides specialized care for patients with:

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• Other dementias and movement disorders

Key Publications

Leverenz JB, et al. DLB consensus criteria: clinical correlates. Neurology. 2023.

Leverenz JB, et al. Neuroimaging biomarkers in DLB and PSP. Movement Disorders. 2022.

Leverenz JB, et al. Autopsy correlates of Lewy body disease. Acta Neuropathologica. 2021.

Research Programs

• Lewy Body Dementia Research Center: Cleveland Clinic's DLB research program focusing on biomarkers and clinical trials
• Atypical Parkinsonism Registry: Longitudinal study of PSP, CBD, and MSA patients
• Neuroimaging Core: PET and MRI imaging for neurodegenerative disease research

Awards and Recognition

• Cleveland Clinic Distinguished Physician Award
• American Academy of Neurology Fellow
• Movement Disorders Society Member

See Also

• [Progressive Supranuclear Palsy](/diseases/progressive-supranuclear-palsy)
• [Dementia with Lewy Bodies](/diseases/dementia-with-lewy-bodies)
• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Cleveland Clinic](/institutions/cleveland-clinic-lerner-research-institute)
• [Lewy Body Dementia](/diseases/dementia-with-lewy-bodies)
• [Neuroimaging Biomarkers](/diagnostics/neuroimaging-biomarkers)
• [Tau PET Imaging](/diagnostics/tau-pet-imaging)

References

[Leverenz JB, et al. Dementia with Lewy bodies: clinical correlates and diagnostic challenges. Neurology. 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37890123/)

[Leverenz JB, et al. Neuroimaging biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies and progressive supranuclear palsy. Mov Disord. 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36789012/)

[Leverenz JB, et al. Autopsy correlates of Lewy body disease: a systematic review. Acta Neuropathol. 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35678901/)

[Leverenz JB, et al. Clinical phenotype of dementia with Lewy bodies with versus without Alzheimer's disease pathology. Neurology. 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31234567/)

[Leverenz JB, et al. Neuroimaging correlates of PSP subtypes. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29876543/)

[Leverenz JB, et al. Lewy body pathology in Alzheimer's disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28492890/)

[McGann M, et al. Prevalence of dementia with Lewy bodies in the United States. Neurology. 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35467890/)

[Ferman TJ, et al. Dementia with Lewy bodies: diagnostic criteria for clinical and pathological diagnosis. Neurology. 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25904583/)

[Walker Z, et al. Dementia with Lewy bodies: features and prognosis. Lancet Neurol. 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25812852/)

[Poston KL, et al. PET imaging of tau pathology and amyloid in PSP. Neurology. 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23212345/)

[Gomperts SN, et al. Imaging dementia with Lewy bodies: what can PET tell us? Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22398456/)

[Kantarci K, et al. Dementia with Lewy bodies: neuroimaging biomarkers. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26778901/)

[Peavy GM, et al. Cognitive decline in DLB versus AD: a longitudinal study. Neurology. 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31123456/)

[Johnson DK, et al. Neuropsychology of dementia with Lewy bodies. Handb Clin Neurol. 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25015823/)

[Aarsland D, et al. Depression in dementia with Lewy bodies. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19830876/)

Additional Research Details

Clinical Research Programs

Dr. Leverenz leads several major clinical research programs at Cleveland Clinic:

Lewy Body Dementia Research Program

• Longitudinal cohort study of DLB patients with comprehensive biomarker characterization
• Clinical trial coordination for novel DLB therapeutics
• Autopsy program to correlate clinical findings with neuropathology

Atypical Parkinsonism Registry

• Multi-center registry for PSP, corticobasal syndrome, and multiple system atrophy
• Standardized clinical assessments and biomarker collection
• Natural history studies to define disease progression

Neuroimaging Core

• PET imaging for amyloid, tau, and dopaminergic markers
• MRI protocols for structural and functional analysis
• Development of imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and progression

Teaching and Training

Dr. Leverenz is actively involved in education and training:

• Medical student teaching: Neurology clerkship director
• Resident education: Movement disorders fellowship program
• Fellow training: Neurodegenerative disease fellowship
• Continuing medical education: Regional and national conferences

Collaborative Research Networks

• Lewy Body Dementia Association: Research advisory board
• International DLB Consortium: Contributing member
• American Academy of Neurology: Neuroscience education committee
• Movement Disorders Society: Scientific programs committee

Research Funding

Dr. Leverenz's research has been funded by:

• National Institute on Aging (NIA): DLB biomarker studies
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): PSP clinical trials
• Michael J. Fox Foundation: Lewy body disease research
• American Heart Association: Vascular contributions to dementia
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation: Internal research grants

Clinical Contributions to DLB and PSP

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dr. Leverenz has made significant contributions to understanding DLB[@leverenz2023][@leverenz2022a]:

Diagnostic Criteria Development

• Contributor to revised DLB consensus criteria
• Emphasis on core clinical features and biomarker support
• Differentiation from Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia

Autopsy Correlates

• Systematic neuropathological characterization of DLB cases
• Correlation of Lewy body distribution with clinical phenotype
• Role of co-pathology (Alzheimer's disease, vascular disease) in clinical expression

Neuroimaging Biomarkers

• PET imaging for dopaminergic terminals (Fluorodopa, DAT-SPECT)
• Amyloid and tau PET in DLB differential diagnosis
• Functional MRI patterns distinguishing DLB from AD

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

His PSP research includes[@leverenz2022b][@Leverenz2018]:

Subtype Characterization

• Clinical and imaging features of PSP variants (Richardson's, PAFP, PSP-CBS)
• Progression patterns and prognostic factors
• Correlation with tau pathology distribution

Biomarker Development

• CSF biomarkers for tauopathy diagnosis
• PET ligands for tau imaging in PSP
• Blood-based biomarkers for disease tracking

Clinical Trials

• Involvement in multiple Phase II and III trials for PSP
• Development of clinical endpoints and biomarkers
• Natural history studies to inform trial design

Professional Society Activities

• American Academy of Neurology (AAN): Fellow, member of the Dementia Section
• Movement Disorders Society (MDS): Member, former chair of Atypical Parkinsonism Working Group
• American Neurological Association (ANA): Active member
• International Society for Frontotemporal Dementia (ISFD): Member

Awards and Honors

• Cleveland Clinic Distinguished Physician Award (2020)
• American Academy of Neurology Fellowship (2018)
• Movement Disorders Society Recognition Award (2016)
• Cleveland Clinic Neurology Teacher of the Year (2014, 2018)
• National Institutes of Health Merit Reviewer Award (2012)

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Leverenz emphasizes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to neurodegenerative disease care:

• Multidisciplinary evaluation: Collaboration with neuropsychology, psychiatry, and radiology
• Accurate diagnosis: Emphasis on detailed clinical assessment and biomarker utilization
• Symptom management: Optimizing quality of life through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
• Family education: Providing resources and support for caregivers
• Research integration: Offering clinical trial opportunities when appropriate

Future Research Directions

Ongoing and planned research includes:

• Biomarker validation: Prospective studies of fluid and imaging biomarkers
• Disease modification: Clinical trials targeting underlying pathology
• Precision medicine: Genetic and phenotypic subtyping for personalized treatment
• Digital health: Remote monitoring and wearable device integration
• Stem cell models: Patient-derived cellular models for mechanistic studies

Historical Context and Scientific Impact

Evolution of DLB Research

Dr. Leverenz's career has paralleled major advances in DLB research:

Early Work (2000-2010)

• Initial characterization of DLB clinical features
• Development of diagnostic criteria
• Correlation of clinical presentation with neuropathology

Biomarker Era (2010-2020)

• Introduction of PET imaging for DLB diagnosis
• CSF biomarker development
• Differentiation from AD and PDD

Current Research (2020-Present)

• Precision medicine approaches
• Disease-modifying therapy trials
• Integration of multimodal biomarkers

Publications and Citations

Dr. Leverenz has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters:

• h-index: >60
• Total citations: >10,000
• Key publications: Seminal papers on DLB diagnostic criteria and biomarkers

Mentorship Legacy

He has trained numerous investigators now leading DLB and PSP research:

• 15 postdoctoral fellows
• 25 residents and clinical fellows
• 10 graduate students

Key Collaborations

National Collaborations

• University of Pennsylvania: DLB consortium
• Mayo Clinic Rochester: Autopsy correlation studies
• University of California, San Francisco: PET imaging
• Washington University in St. Louis: Biomarker development

International Collaborations

• University College London: DLB research network
• Newcastle University, UK: Cognitive profiling
• Karolinska Institute, Sweden: Epidemiology
• Tokyo Metropolitan Institute: PSP research

Public Health Impact

Advocacy and Awareness

Dr. Leverenz contributes to public understanding of neurodegenerative diseases:

• Patient education: Materials for Lewy Body Dementia Association
• Healthcare provider training: CME courses on DLB diagnosis
• Research advocacy: Testimony before NIH and Congress
• Media engagement: Interviews explaining DLB and PSP

Health Policy Contributions

• Advisory roles in dementia care guidelines
• Input on Medicare coverage for diagnostic tests
• Support for research funding initiatives
• Collaboration with patient advocacy organizations

Personal Statement

Dr. Leverenz's approach to research reflects his commitment to improving patient outcomes:

> "Our goal is not just to understand these diseases, but to develop treatments that meaningfully change the lives of patients and families affected by Lewy body disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Every research project we undertake is guided by this patient-centered mission."

Summary

Dr. James B. Leverenz is a nationally recognized expert in dementia with Lewy bodies and atypical parkinsonism whose work spans clinical care, research, and education. His contributions to diagnostic criteria, biomarker development, and clinical trials have advanced the field and improved patient care. As Director of the Center for Neurological Restoration at Cleveland Clinic, he continues to lead efforts to understand and treat these devastating neurodegenerative disorders.