How dopamine and tau affect memory in older adults
Official title: Conjoint Effects of Dopamine and Tau on Cognition in Aging
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10896737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dopamine levels and tau protein buildup affect memory in older adults, using special brain scans while participants do memory tasks, to see if higher dopamine can help protect against memory loss as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,784 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AG084259-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or memory impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with significant neurological disorders unrelated to aging or those who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of dopamine levels and tau protein accumulation on cognitive functions, particularly memory, in aging individuals. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, participants will undergo simultaneous MR/PET scans to assess their dopamine levels and brain activity while performing memory tasks. The study aims to understand how higher dopamine levels may protect against cognitive decline associated with tau accumulation. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to provide insights into potential interventions for age-related cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving memory and cognitive function in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of dopamine and tau in cognitive aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morin, Thomas — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Morin, Thomas
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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.