Immune changes during perimenopause that may raise Alzheimer's risk and possible treatment windows
Project 3: Peripheral Immune Activation on the Road to Development of Alzheimer's Disease: Therapeutic Targets and Windows
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · NIH-11129669
This project looks at immune changes in women during perimenopause to find times and treatments that could lower later Alzheimer's risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TUCSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129669 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project follows midlife women through the perimenopausal transition to track immune changes that may be linked to brain changes tied to Alzheimer's. You'll be asked to provide blood samples and health information at several stages so researchers can map immune markers and compare them with brain risk signals and with women who have autoimmune disease. The team aims to identify specific immune signatures and time windows when treating inflammation might reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer's later. If targets are found, the work could lead to prevention ideas or therapies tailored for women in midlife.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are midlife women undergoing perimenopause, especially those with autoimmune diseases or genetic risk factors like APOE-ε4.
Not a fit: Men, younger premenopausal women, or people whose Alzheimer's risk is not linked to immune changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments or prevention strategies that lower Alzheimer's risk in women around menopause.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked immune changes and menopause to higher Alzheimer's risk, but targeted therapies based on these findings are still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
TUCSON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA — TUCSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RODGERS, KATHLEEN E. — UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
- Study coordinator: RODGERS, KATHLEEN E.
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