Exploring how brain activity differences between sexes affect Alzheimer's disease.
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
This study is looking at how differences in brain activity might affect Alzheimer's disease, especially in women with a specific gene, and it’s testing whether a common seizure medication can help improve thinking skills in both people and mice.
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-10932678 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between neuronal hyperexcitability and sex differences in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using advanced brain simulations and experimental data from mouse models. It focuses on understanding how an imbalance in brain excitation and inhibition may lead to cognitive decline, particularly in women who carry the ApoE4 gene variant. The study employs multimodal MRI techniques to analyze brain connectivity and examines the effects of the antiseizure drug Levetiracetam on cognition in both human trials and animal models. By integrating computational and experimental approaches, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of hyperexcitability in AD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women with the ApoE4 gene variant who are experiencing cognitive decline or have early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients without the ApoE4 gene variant or those who do not exhibit signs of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, particularly for women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal hyperexcitability and its implications in Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach is novel and aims to clarify existing uncertainties.
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.