Exploring Brain Changes Behind Mood and Behavior Issues in Alzheimer's Disease
Understanding Neural Bases for Neuropsychiatric Impairments in Alzheimer's Disease Models
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11193443
This project aims to understand the brain changes that lead to mood and behavior problems like apathy, anxiety, and agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193443 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with Alzheimer's disease experience changes in their mood and behavior, such as feeling apathetic, anxious, or agitated, which can be very challenging for them and their caregivers. We don't fully understand why these symptoms happen or how they are connected to the disease itself. This work uses advanced techniques to look closely at brain changes in models of Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on a brain area called the anterior cingulate cortex. We want to see how changes in this area might lead to apathy-like behaviors and if rebalancing brain activity could help improve these symptoms. By combining detailed behavior assessments with studies of brain cells and genes, we hope to uncover the root causes of these non-memory related symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding a disease that affects individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms like apathy, depression, anxiety, agitation, or aggressiveness may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and treat the challenging mood and behavior symptoms experienced by individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific neural mechanisms of neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD are still being uncovered, other studies have shown the importance of brain circuit imbalances in various neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAO, HUIZHONG WHIT — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: TAO, HUIZHONG WHIT
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia