How aging and Alzheimer's disease affect fear-related disorders and brain function
Official title: The Impact of Normative Aging and Alzheimers Disease on Fear based Disorders and Amygdala Dysfunction
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10896248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fear-related issues like PTSD might affect memory and thinking skills as we get older, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find ways, including diet changes, to help improve brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AG078400-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing fear-based disorders like PTSD and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without fear-based disorders or those not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between fear-based disorders, such as PTSD, and their impact on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. It focuses on understanding how these disorders worsen with age and the role of the basolateral amygdala in processing fear memories. By examining the neural mechanisms involved, the study aims to uncover how neuroinflammation contributes to these conditions. The research may also explore dietary interventions that could improve brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fear-based disorders and cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between PTSD and cognitive decline, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernandez, Caesar Miguel — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hernandez, Caesar Miguel
Related research
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Team science approach to study aging and Alzheimer’s disease with machine learning and functional genomics
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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.