Exploring how alcohol use affects Alzheimer's disease

Identifying the relationship between alcohol and Alzheimer's Disease

NIH-funded research Purdue University · NIH-10871703

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might affect the development and severity of Alzheimer's disease, using animal models to see how it impacts behavior and brain health, and it will also check if a medication called Memantine can help reduce these effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPurdue University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (West Lafayette, United States)
Project IDNIH-10871703 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between alcohol dependence and Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on how a history of alcohol use may influence the onset and severity of cognitive impairments and brain changes associated with AD. The study will utilize animal models to assess behavioral and neuropathological symptoms, as well as neural network function in the context of alcohol use. Additionally, it will explore whether treatment with Memantine can mitigate these effects. By understanding these connections, the research aims to provide insights into the role of alcohol in AD progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol dependence who are experiencing cognitive impairments or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients without a history of alcohol use or those who do not have cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for individuals with Alzheimer's disease who have a history of alcohol use.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between alcohol use and Alzheimer's disease has been studied, this specific approach examining the effects of alcohol dependence on AD progression and treatment response is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

West Lafayette, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.