How air pollution affects brain health and Alzheimer's disease development
Official title: Glymphatic impairment as a crucial factor in particulate matter exposure related development of Alzheimer's disease pathology
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11103282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in the air might affect brain health and contribute to Alzheimer's disease, using mice to see how these particles can impact the brain's ability to clear out waste, which could help us understand more about the connection between pollution and dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $656,890 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083020-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of exposure to air pollution or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of air pollution, specifically ultrafine particulate matter, on the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It focuses on understanding how these airborne particles may impair the glymphatic system, which is responsible for clearing waste from the brain. By using a mouse model, the study will explore the effects of short and repeated exposure to these particles on brain health and cognitive function. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms linking environmental factors to Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating Alzheimer's disease by addressing environmental risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated a link between environmental pollutants and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hussain, Rashad — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Hussain, Rashad
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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.