Brain overactivity and sex differences in Alzheimer's linked to APOE-ε4
Official title: Connecting Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using biophysically-informed in-silico brain simulations and experimental data from mouse models of AD
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11187233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether the anti-seizure drug levetiracetam can calm brain overactivity and help memory in people at risk for Alzheimer's because of the APOE-ε4 gene, with a focus on women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,397 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG087888-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults at risk for Alzheimer's who carry the APOE-ε4 gene—particularly women—or people showing early signs of hyperexcitability or mild cognitive changes.
✕Less likely to help
People without APOE-ε4, without signs of brain hyperexcitability, or those with advanced dementia are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
I would be part of a project that uses computer brain simulations, human brain scans, and experiments in mouse models to understand why brain cells become overactive in Alzheimer's, especially in women who carry APOE-ε4. The team will compare MRI-based connectivity, gene activity in neurons, and myelin/oligodendrocyte changes across humans and mice to link brain overactivity to memory problems. They will also test how the anti-seizure drug levetiracetam changes brain activity and memory-related signals in these models and in human imaging data. The combined computational and experimental approach aims to reveal mechanisms that could guide targeted treatments for at-risk people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify ways to reduce brain overactivity and slow memory decline in people with APOE-ε4-related Alzheimer's risk, especially women.
How similar studies have gone: Early human trials of levetiracetam have shown some cognitive improvement in people with signs of hyperexcitability, but results are mixed and the approach remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
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University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leow, Alex — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Leow, Alex
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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.