How ovarian hormones affect brain function and memory in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cyclic endocrine neuromodulation shapes sensory and spatial representations
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11001401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones like estradiol and progesterone affect memory and senses in the brain, especially for women with Alzheimer's disease, to help find better treatments for hormone-related memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,223 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS139514-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing menopause or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease due to hormonal changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are men or those who do not have hormonal fluctuations related to the estrous cycle may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ovarian hormones, particularly estradiol and progesterone, in influencing brain circuits related to memory and sensory perception, especially in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy and CRISPR gene editing, the study aims to understand how hormonal changes during the estrous cycle affect neural plasticity and behavior. By analyzing the brain's response to these hormonal fluctuations, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to the higher prevalence of Alzheimer's in women. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to targeted therapies addressing hormone-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that mitigate the effects of hormonal changes on cognitive decline in women at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of hormones on brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolcott, Nora Seeman — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Wolcott, Nora Seeman
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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.