Higher norepinephrine production in aging brains
Upregulated Norepinephrine Synthesis Capacity in Aging
Researchers are measuring whether remaining brainstem nerve cells make more norepinephrine in older adults and people with early Alzheimer’s-related tau changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303424 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will focus on a tiny brainstem area called the locus coeruleus (LC) that helps control attention and memory. They will measure LC structural health and markers of norepinephrine production in older adults and people with Alzheimer’s-related tau to see whether surviving neurons increase norepinephrine as a protective response. The team will relate these brain measures to memory, attention, and signs of tau-related pathology to learn whether upregulation helps preserve thinking or affects disease spread. Visits are likely to include imaging and biological tests at the research site.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment or early signs of Alzheimer’s-related tau changes.
Not a fit: Children and people without age-related brain changes or Alzheimer’s-related tau pathology are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to support brain resilience and slow Alzheimer’s-related decline by targeting norepinephrine systems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported increased norepinephrine metabolism in aging and Alzheimer’s, but using that finding to protect cognition or stop tau spread remains a new area of research.
Where this research is happening
Waltham, United States
- Brandeis University — Waltham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, Anne Shively — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Berry, Anne Shively
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.