Finding ways to protect brain connections in Alzheimer's disease
Identifying therapeutic targets that confer synaptic resilience to Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how some older people can stay sharp in their thinking even when they have signs of Alzheimer's in their brains, and it aims to find out what helps them keep their memory connections strong, which could lead to new ways to support others with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11052243 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how some older individuals can maintain cognitive function despite having high levels of Alzheimer's disease pathology in their brains. The team aims to identify the specific mechanisms that allow these resilient individuals to preserve their synaptic connections, which are crucial for memory. By exploring the interactions between amyloid-beta and tau proteins with dendritic spines, the researchers hope to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could help maintain cognitive abilities in those affected by Alzheimer's. The approach includes advanced 3-D modeling techniques to better understand these complex interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who show signs of Alzheimer's pathology but do not exhibit dementia symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease and exhibit significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help protect cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of identifying synaptic resilience mechanisms is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding cognitive preservation in Alzheimer's pathology.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herskowitz, Jeremy H. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Herskowitz, Jeremy H.
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.