How aging affects emotional control and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Aging of Emotion Circuitry and Risk for Alzheimer's disease: Impact of Sex, Immunity, and Fetal Origins

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11110415

This study is looking at how managing emotions might change as we get older, especially for people over 50, to see if these changes could be early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and it will explore how men and women might experience this differently.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11110415 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how changes in emotion regulation, particularly in individuals over 50, may signal early signs of Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on understanding the differences between men and women in how their immune systems and brain structures respond to aging and emotional challenges. By studying a group of individuals from prenatal stages into adulthood, the research aims to uncover the biological pathways that link emotional dysregulation to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's pathology. Patients may be monitored for changes in brain regions associated with emotion and memory as they age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 50, particularly women, who may be experiencing emotional dysregulation.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 50 or those without any signs of emotional dysregulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between emotional health and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.