How Alzheimer's Disease affects stress response through specific brain neurons
Direct activation of CRF neurons by Abeta disrupts the stress response in Alzheimer's Disease
This study is looking at how stress affects people with Alzheimer's Disease by exploring certain brain cells that control a hormone related to stress, hoping to find out why some patients experience anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057216 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and the stress response by focusing on specific neurons that regulate cortisol release. It aims to understand how the mis-regulation of Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) signaling in the brain contributes to mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression in AD patients. Using a novel mouse model, researchers will examine the effects of disease-causing mutations on CRF neuron activity and related behaviors. The findings could provide insights into the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease who are experiencing anxiety or depression.
Not a fit: Patients with Alzheimer's Disease who do not exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to manage mood disturbances in Alzheimer's Disease patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease can lead to meaningful improvements, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Justice, Nicholas J — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Justice, Nicholas J
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 below.