How APOE deficiency affects stress response and thinking skills
Official title: Impact of APOE deficiency on HPA axis function and cognition
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10979171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called APOE4 affects stress hormones and thinking skills in people who might be at risk for Alzheimer's Disease, hoping to find new ways to help manage stress and improve brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $643,845 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals carrying the APOE4 allele who are at risk for Alzheimer's Disease and experiencing stress-related cognitive issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the APOE4 allele or those who do not have cognitive decline related to stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of the APOE4 genetic variant on stress hormone levels and cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's Disease. It explores how APOE4 may disrupt the body's ability to manage stress, potentially leading to increased allostatic load and cognitive decline. By studying both human participants and animal models, the research aims to uncover the relationship between chronic stress, hormone regulation, and the development of Alzheimer's Disease. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic approaches for managing stress-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress, hormone levels, and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamashiro, Kellie L. K. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tamashiro, Kellie L. K.
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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.