From Social Breakups to Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
Official title: From Social Discruption to Neural Compromise: Establishing Markers and Mediators
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11617700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how losing social connections may trigger brain changes and inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $82,309 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS125589-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who experience loneliness or social isolation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without social isolation or dementia-related risk may see less direct benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This research will study how social bond disruption affects the brain and body in a natural social species, with a focus on inflammation and metabolic processes. Scientists will analyze biological signals in the brain to understand how loneliness could worsen cognitive decline and health outcomes. The goal is to identify biological markers and potential targets for interventions that could help people facing loneliness and dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new ways to protect brain health and improve quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias by addressing social isolation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports links between social factors, inflammation, and brain health, but this project seeks mechanistic insights and biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glasper, Erica R — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Glasper, Erica R
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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.