How brain iron levels affect thinking in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Contribution of Cerebral Iron Load to Cognitive Function in Older Adults with High Risk to Develop Alzheimer's Disease
This study is looking at how iron levels in the brain might affect thinking skills in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it involves brain scans and memory tests to see if too much iron is linked to problems with a protein related to 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-10862750 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between brain iron levels and cognitive function in older adults who are at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing data from two large cohort studies, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and the UK Biobank, the researchers aim to understand how excess iron in the brain may influence the accumulation of amyloid beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's. Participants will undergo brain imaging and cognitive assessments to explore these connections. The findings could provide insights into the early stages of cognitive decline and potential interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease or do not have cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying cognitive decline in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease, but the specific focus on brain iron levels in conjunction with amyloid beta is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qiao, Ye — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Qiao, Ye
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.