Donepezil’s effect on aging muscles and resilience
Official title: Impacts of Donepezil on Skeletal Muscle Strength, Quality, and Resilience during Aging
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11268518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at how a drug used for memory problems might help aging muscles stay stronger and more resilient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $198,999 |
| NIH project number | 1P20GM162002-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11268518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults who are at risk for aging-related muscle weakness or frailty (or who are showing early signs) may benefit from future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without aging-related muscle weakness or those not likely to respond to cholinesterase inhibitors may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores whether donepezil, a medicine already used for cognitive issues, can help older adults keep their muscle strength and function when facing stress or illness. Researchers will test donepezil in animal models and examine its effects on muscle mitochondria, energy production, and overall muscle health as we age. The goal is to find ways to prevent frailty and disability by boosting resilience in the muscles that support everyday activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to strategies that help older adults maintain muscle strength and recover better after health stressors.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier findings suggest donepezil may improve muscle mitochondrial function and strength in aging models, supporting the potential for benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccoin, Colin — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mccoin, Colin
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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.