Behavioral treatments for early onset Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Behavioral Interventions for the Treatment of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11084390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help younger people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease improve their daily lives while juggling family and work, so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,961 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AG080071-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline and its impact on their personal and professional lives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing lifestyle interventions specifically for individuals diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD). The project aims to enhance behavioral treatment options that address the unique challenges faced by younger patients, such as cognitive decline while managing family and career responsibilities. Through a structured plan, the principal investigator, Dr. Dustin Hammers, will transition from clinician to independent researcher, utilizing targeted coursework and workshops to improve treatment strategies. The goal is to identify effective interventions that can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved behavioral treatment options that enhance the daily functioning and quality of life for patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in behavioral interventions for Alzheimer's disease, but this specific focus on early-onset cases is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hammers, Dustin — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Hammers, Dustin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.