How acetylcholine affects learning and memory in the brain
Official title: Cholinergic Mechanisms of Associative Learning in Cortical Circuits
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10951778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called acetylcholine helps us learn and remember things, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how our brains work, especially in relation to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,855 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH137452-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments not related to cholinergic dysfunction or those without memory-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in learning and memory by examining how it influences the activity of cortical neurons. Using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to understand the cellular and circuit mechanisms that underlie associative learning. The researchers will conduct experiments involving a simple learning task to observe how ACh release affects brain circuitry and behavior. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover new insights into cognitive functions and potential therapeutic targets for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease and other memory-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding cholinergic mechanisms in learning, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudy, Bernardo — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rudy, Bernardo
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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.