Changes in brain structure during aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Brain extracellular matrix changes during normal aging and in Alzheimer disease
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11167275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's support structure changes as we get older and in people with Alzheimer's, hoping to find early signs that could help with diagnosis and understanding the disease better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091884-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing normal aging or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the composition of the brain's extracellular matrix changes as people age and in those with Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced techniques to analyze brain samples from both rodents and humans, the study aims to identify specific alterations in brain structure that could serve as early indicators of Alzheimer's. The research will look at different brain regions and ages to understand how these changes relate to the progression of the disease. Ultimately, the goal is to find new biomarkers that can help in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Alzheimer's disease, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease, making this approach a continuation of ongoing efforts in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Yao — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Yao, Yao
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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.