How brain signals affect our sense of smell in conditions like Alzheimer's
Cholinergic modulation of olfactory coding.
This project explores how a brain chemical called acetylcholine helps us smell and how this process might be different in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11085977 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains constantly process information from our senses, and the way we smell can be influenced by our brain's state. This project looks at a specific brain system, the cholinergic system, which uses a chemical called acetylcholine to help us notice and process important smells. While we know acetylcholine affects smell, we don't fully understand what makes these brain cells active or how they work in the part of the brain responsible for smell, especially in people who are awake. This work aims to uncover these details to better understand how our sense of smell works and changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit individuals experiencing changes in their sense of smell, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing changes in their sense of smell or those with conditions unrelated to cholinergic system dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand why the sense of smell changes in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new ways to detect or manage the disease.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown acetylcholine's role in smell, this project is novel in its focus on the activity of cholinergic neurons and their function in awake animals, addressing fundamental unanswered questions.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Max L — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Max L
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.