How Brain Connectivity Changes Relate to Aging and Memory
Official title: The contribution of declines in functional connectivity to cognitive aging
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11581893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study aims to understand how aging affects brain connections and how these changes relate to memory and thinking in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2016 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $532,410 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG049722-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11581893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults, particularly those experiencing or at risk for cognitive decline or early signs of aging-related memory changes.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly help individuals with advanced dementia or those without cognitive concerns.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the brain’s network connections change as people age and how those changes might contribute to memory problems. Researchers study brain activity patterns to see how different parts of the brain talk to each other over time. The goal is to bridge small-scale brain changes with larger brain networks to find ideas for improving thinking in late life. The work could point toward new approaches to support healthy aging or delay the onset of dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform strategies to maintain memory and thinking abilities in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research links brain connectivity changes to aging and dementia, with ongoing efforts building toward practical interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Sara N — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Burke, Sara N
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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.