How brain injuries may lead to Alzheimer's disease later in life

Dysregulation of autophagy-lysosomal function links TBI to late-onset neurodegeneration

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10830954

This study is looking at how a past traumatic brain injury might lead to Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia later on, and it’s inviting people who have had a TBI to help researchers understand how this injury affects brain cell health over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10830954 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias later in life. It focuses on understanding how TBI may disrupt the autophagy-lysosomal function, which is crucial for clearing damaged proteins and organelles from brain cells. By studying the cellular changes that occur after TBI, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could accelerate neurodegeneration over time. Patients with a history of TBI may provide valuable insights into these processes through their participation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and are concerned about their long-term cognitive health.

Not a fit: Patients without a history of traumatic brain injury or those who do not exhibit symptoms of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals with a history of brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown a link between TBI and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.