Boosting new brain cell growth and balance to help memory in aging
Targeting neurogenesis-inhibition coupling to improve memory in aging
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11307625
This project aims to increase production of new neurons and restore normal inhibitory signals in the hippocampus to help older adults with age-related memory fading.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307625 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You can think of the work as exploring how new neurons and local inhibitory cells work together in a key memory area of the brain called the dentate gyrus–CA2 circuit. The team will build and test an in vivo gain-of-function platform to turn on candidate signals that might improve that coupling during aging. Experiments will combine findings from animals and prior human data to pick promising regulators and measure their effects on memory-related brain activity. The goal is to identify approaches that could eventually be translated into treatments to improve memory consolidation and reduce interference in older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults experiencing age-related memory problems or mild cognitive impairment who are interested in future trials or donating samples for mechanistic research.
Not a fit: People with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss from non-hippocampal causes, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new therapies that improve memory stability and consolidation in people with age-related memory decline or mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work in animals and humans links neurogenesis and inhibitory interneurons to memory, but specifically targeting neurogenesis–inhibition coupling with an in vivo gain-of-function platform is largely novel and experimental.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SAHAY, AMAR — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: SAHAY, AMAR
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 below.