How lung problems may affect Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Communicating Lung Dysfunction to the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-10711004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with lung health, especially in older adults with asthma, might affect the brain and worsen Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find ways to slow down or prevent the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,703,626 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG083029-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10711004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and experiencing lung dysfunction or asthma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or significant lung issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between lung dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease (AD) by exploring how inflammation in the lungs may influence brain changes associated with AD. The study focuses on older adults, particularly those with asthma, to understand how chronic lung inflammation can exacerbate AD symptoms. Researchers will use mouse models to examine the communication between lung and brain cells and assess the impact of lung health on AD progression. By identifying these links, the research aims to uncover potential environmental risk factors that could be targeted to slow down or prevent the advancement of Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients with lung conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking lung dysfunction to Alzheimer's is novel, related research has shown that inflammation can impact brain health, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Combs, Colin K — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Combs, Colin K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.