Brain overactivity and sex differences in Alzheimer's linked to APOE-ε4
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
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 ID | NIH-11187233 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People without APOE-ε4, without signs of brain hyperexcitability, or those with advanced dementia are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage research.
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 performed: 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
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leow, Alex — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Leow, Alex
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.