How APOE gene differences affect stress hormones and memory
Impact of APOE deficiency on HPA axis function and cognition
Researchers are looking at whether different versions of the APOE gene change stress hormone activity and memory in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
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 ID | NIH-11232305 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will compare people and laboratory models with different APOE genetics to see how the body's stress system (the HPA axis) and stress hormones relate to thinking and memory. They plan to measure stress hormone levels, perform memory and cognitive testing, and use lab studies to understand possible biological mechanisms. The project focuses on the common APOE4 risk variant and how repeated stress responses might contribute to memory decline. Results could point to ways to protect the brain from stress-related damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults or people with an APOE4 genetic risk or a family history of Alzheimer's who can take part in hormone measurements and memory testing.
Not a fit: People without APOE risk variants or without memory concerns may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that reduce harmful stress-hormone effects on the brain and help prevent or slow Alzheimer's-related memory loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked APOE4 to higher stress hormones and memory problems, but targeting the HPA axis as a therapy is still largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamashiro, Kellie L. K. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tamashiro, Kellie L. K.
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.