Exploring how exercise and medication may help prevent muscle decline in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Re-entry Supplement associated with R01AG08073
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11290480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how regular exercise might help keep muscles and nerves healthy in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease, using mice to see if a certain medication can improve muscle performance before any memory problems start.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $178,193 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG080731-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing early signs of neuromuscular decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with severe neuromuscular impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between exercise, neuromuscular health, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. It focuses on how regular exercise may influence muscle function and mitochondrial health in individuals at risk for AD. The study uses a mouse model to assess the effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Donepezil on muscle performance and nerve function before cognitive decline occurs. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for delaying or preventing AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving muscle function and delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease in at-risk individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise can positively impact neuromuscular health, but the specific combination of exercise and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the context of Alzheimer's disease is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drake, Josh C — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Drake, Josh C
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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.