Exploring how tissue stiffness affects Alzheimer's disease development
Official title: Determining the role of tissue stiffness in the development of Alzheimer's disease pathology
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10747977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness of brain tissue might change as Alzheimer's disease progresses, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about the disease and finding ways to spot it earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,825 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080257-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those in the early stages of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the stiffness of brain tissue and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By examining the biomechanical properties of brain extracellular matrix, the study aims to identify how these changes may serve as early indicators of the disease. The researchers will analyze brain samples from Alzheimer's patients and compare them to healthy individuals to understand the role of tissue stiffness in disease pathology. This approach could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's and potential early intervention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of biomechanical properties in relation to Alzheimer's is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in other neurodegenerative conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Dae Won — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Park, Dae Won
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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.