How Exercise Affects Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Exercise-Associated Signaling Against CNS Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11093375
This project explores how exercise-related signals from our muscles might protect the brain from aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11093375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our muscles produce special molecules called myokines, which can influence brain health and aging. We believe that the benefits of exercise for the brain might come from these myokines. This work looks at how muscle health, specifically a process called proteostasis, could be a key factor in these brain benefits. We are studying how improving muscle proteostasis can reduce problems in the aging brain and improve memory and thinking in models of Alzheimer's. We are also examining muscle changes in people with Alzheimer's to find new ways to help the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding biological mechanisms relevant to individuals concerned about brain aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies, possibly involving exercise or muscle-targeted therapies, to prevent or slow down brain aging and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the general benefits of exercise on brain health are well-documented, this specific focus on muscle proteostasis and myokine signaling as a direct mechanism for Alzheimer's disease is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CORTES, CONSTANZA JAVIERA — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: CORTES, CONSTANZA JAVIERA
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease model, Alzheimer's disease pathology