Investigating a treatment for tau-related brain damage after traumatic injuries in older adults
Official title: Therapeutic Value of BNC-1 in Addressing Tau Pathology in TBI
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10948698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated mild brain injuries can affect older adults' brains and possibly lead to Alzheimer's disease, and it will explore a specific protein to help find new treatments that could lower the risk of dementia for those who have had these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $423,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG088756-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have experienced one or more traumatic brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any traumatic brain injuries or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect the brain, particularly in older adults, and how these injuries can lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study will explore the role of a specific protein, TAK1, in the progression of tau pathology following repetitive mild TBIs using a specialized mouse model. By identifying the mechanisms behind these changes, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that could help reduce the risk of dementia in individuals who have experienced TBIs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent or mitigate the onset of Alzheimer's disease in older adults who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding tau pathology and its implications for dementia, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bachstetter, Adam D — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Bachstetter, Adam D
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.