NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How brain-derived exosomes relate to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline after traumatic brain injury.

Official title: Impact of TBI and Cognitive Decline on Alzheimer's Disease Brain-Derived Exosome Cargo

Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10662883 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at tiny particles in the blood that come from the brain to see how they might help us understand Alzheimer's disease, especially in people who have had a head injury, and it hopes to find clues that could help track how the disease progresses in older adults.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2026
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$1,948,168
NIH project number1RF1AG079303-01A1
Project IDNIH-10662883 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced traumatic brain injury and are showing signs of cognitive decline.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or those who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of brain-derived exosomes in Alzheimer's disease, particularly focusing on how traumatic brain injury (TBI) may influence cognitive decline. By analyzing exosomes from plasma, which carry specific proteins related to brain health, the study aims to identify biomarkers that could indicate the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The research utilizes existing plasma samples to explore the connection between exosome protein content and cognitive changes in older adults, providing insights into potential diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for earlier detection and better management of the condition.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using exosome biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rissman, Robert — University of Southern California
  • Study coordinator: Rissman, Robert

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.