NIH-funded research R21 grant

A new treatment method for Alzheimer's Disease

Official title: A novel therapeutic approach for Alzheimer Disease (AD)

Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10740016 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help people with Alzheimer's by boosting a important substance in the body called NAD+, which might improve brain function and slow down memory loss, using a special method that involves your own blood cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$392,026
NIH project number1R21AG080715-01A1
Project IDNIH-10740016 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease who may benefit from enhanced metabolic function in the brain.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced Alzheimer's Disease or those who do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's Disease by focusing on increasing levels of a crucial metabolite called NAD+ in the body. The study aims to use genetic interventions to enhance the production of NAD+ in red blood cells, which could help improve brain function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's. By using a specific type of virus to deliver genetic material to the patient's own blood stem cells, the researchers hope to create a sustained increase in NAD+ levels throughout the body. This innovative method could potentially provide a new way to combat the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new therapeutic option that slows down or improves cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using genetic interventions for NAD+ elevation is innovative, similar strategies targeting metabolic dysfunction in neurological disorders have shown promise in preliminary studies.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Missouri-Columbia
    Columbia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ding, Shinghua — University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Study coordinator: Ding, Shinghua

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.