How aging affects brain chemicals and movement in primates
Official title: The effect of aging on neurotransmitters and motor performance in a primate model
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-10757057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects brain chemicals and movement in chimpanzees, helping us understand more about aging and conditions like Alzheimer's, so we can learn why some animals seem to handle aging better than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $310,097 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080216-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 21 and above, who may be experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any cognitive impairments or risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts neurotransmitter levels and motor performance in nonhuman primates, particularly chimpanzees. By examining the similarities between aging chimpanzees and elderly humans, the study aims to understand the role of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine in cognitive and motor functions. The researchers will analyze brain changes and neurotransmitter fluctuations to develop better models for age-related neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This approach could provide insights into why some primates show fewer cognitive declines despite having Alzheimer's-related brain changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for age-related cognitive disorders in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown some success in understanding age-related changes in neurotransmitters in other primate models, but this specific approach in chimpanzees is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edler, Melissa K. — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Edler, Melissa K.
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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.