How alcohol exposure may contribute to Alzheimer's disease through a specific protein

Promotion of Alzheimers Disease by Alcohol - Role of eCIRP

['FUNDING_R01'] · FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH · NIH-10911264

This study is looking at how a protein released from brain cells when we drink alcohol might be connected to Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how alcohol could affect brain health and memory.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MANHASSET, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10911264 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called eCIRP, which is released from brain cells when exposed to alcohol, and its potential link to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aims to understand how eCIRP contributes to the development of tau pathology, a hallmark of AD, by examining its effects on brain cells and memory impairment. Using animal models, researchers will explore the mechanisms by which alcohol consumption influences eCIRP levels and how this may lead to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between alcohol use and neurodegeneration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol and do not have any risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals with a history of alcohol consumption.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a connection between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease, but the specific mechanisms being investigated in this research are novel and have not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

MANHASSET, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease model, Alzheimer's disease patient

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.