How alcohol and aging affect brain cells related to thinking and memory.
Official title: The Role of Oligodendrocytes in Cognitive Decline after Alcohol and Aging
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11085263 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older and drinking too much alcohol can affect brain health by focusing on special brain cells that help keep our nerves working well, and it’s designed for anyone interested in understanding how these factors might lead to memory and thinking problems as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $187,905 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA031376-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085263 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced cognitive decline and have a history of alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have a history of alcohol use or cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and alcohol use disorder (AUD) contribute to cognitive decline by focusing on oligodendrocytes, the brain cells responsible for myelinating nerve fibers. The study uses advanced techniques to track the development of these cells in older mice exposed to alcohol, aiming to understand how this exposure affects their ability to support cognitive functions. By examining the relationship between white matter loss and cognitive impairment, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for aging individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in older adults with a history of alcohol use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of oligodendrocytes in cognitive decline can lead to significant insights, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richardson, Heather Noël — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Richardson, Heather Noël
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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.