Exploring the brain mechanisms behind behavioral issues in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Understanding Neural Bases for Neuropsychiatric Impairments in Alzheimer's Disease Models
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10991271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific part of the brain might cause symptoms like apathy, anxiety, and aggression in people with Alzheimer's, using mice to help find ways to improve these behaviors for better patient care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $716,919 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089756-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or those not experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural bases of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease, focusing on behaviors such as apathy, anxiety, and aggression. Using mouse models of Alzheimer's, the study aims to understand how changes in the anterior cingulate cortex affect these behaviors. By employing advanced techniques, researchers will analyze the relationship between brain pathology and behavioral impairments, with the goal of identifying potential interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's, but this specific approach is novel and aims to deepen the understanding of underlying neural mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tao, Huizhong Whit — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Tao, Huizhong Whit
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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.