How aging and Alzheimer's disease affect fear-related disorders and brain function

The Impact of Normative Aging and Alzheimers Disease on Fear based Disorders and Amygdala Dysfunction

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10896248

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896248 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing fear-based disorders like PTSD and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients without fear-based disorders or those not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Birmingham, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.