How exercise affects brain aging and Alzheimer's disease through muscle signaling
Official title: Exercise-Associated Signaling Against CNS Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11202762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercise and healthy muscles can help keep our brains sharp as we age, especially in fighting off memory problems like Alzheimer's, and it's designed for anyone interested in how staying active can benefit brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $25,581 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG077536-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11202762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for or experiencing cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related cognitive decline or who have advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of skeletal muscle in regulating brain function and aging, particularly focusing on how exercise influences the secretion of myokines—bioactive molecules that can affect brain health. By studying a special mouse model with enhanced muscle proteostasis, the research aims to understand how these muscle signals can protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The project will explore the mechanisms by which exercise-induced changes in muscle can improve memory and reduce inflammation in the brain, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for aging-related cognitive issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new exercise-based interventions that improve cognitive health and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the protective effects of exercise on brain health, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cortes, Constanza Javiera — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Cortes, Constanza Javiera
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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.