Investigating brain aging and cognition in older adults with epilepsy
BRain Aging and Cognition in Epilepsy (BRACE): A longitudinal investigation of vascular, genetic, and biomarker risk profiles in elderly patients with epilepsy
This study is looking at how epilepsy impacts thinking and brain health in older adults aged 55 to 90, and it aims to find out what factors might speed up aging in the brain, so we can help prevent or slow down memory problems like dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894264 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how epilepsy affects cognitive and brain aging in older adults, particularly those aged 55 to 90. It aims to identify the vascular, genetic, and biomarker risk factors associated with accelerated aging in this population. By conducting a longitudinal study across multiple diverse epilepsy centers, researchers will gather advanced neuroimaging and neuropsychological data from patients with temporal and frontal lobe epilepsy. The goal is to uncover mechanisms of cognitive decline and find ways to prevent or mitigate the progression to dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 55 to 90 who have been diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy or frontal lobe epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 55 or those without a diagnosis of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline and dementia in older adults with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive decline in older adults with neurological conditions, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonald, Carrie R — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Mcdonald, Carrie 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 below.