How stress and gender affect brain changes related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The convergence of stress and sex on Abeta and tau metabolism and pathology
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10734280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects certain proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, and it wants to see if there are different effects for men and women, so we can better understand how stress might play a role in this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,133,060 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG079867-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are experiencing high levels of psychological stress and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing significant stress or who do not have a risk of developing Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of psychological stress on the metabolism of proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on how these effects differ between men and women. The study uses two models of acute stress to observe changes in brain interstitial fluid levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau, which are critical markers in Alzheimer's pathology. Preliminary findings suggest that stress leads to a significant increase in Aβ levels in females, while males show no change, indicating a potential sex-dependent mechanism. By understanding these differences, the research aims to uncover new insights into the biological processes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that mitigate the effects of stress on Alzheimer's disease, particularly for women who are at higher risk.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that stress can significantly impact brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cirrito, John R — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cirrito, John R
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.