Investigating brain aging in adults with autism spectrum disorder

Brain Aging Across the Lifespan in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10990531

This study is looking at how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts the aging of the brain in adults, aiming to find out what changes happen in brain cells and inflammation as people with ASD get older, so we can better understand their cognitive health over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10990531 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects brain aging in adults. It aims to identify specific cell types and neuroinflammatory markers that change as individuals with ASD age, particularly looking at the differences in brain structure and function over time. By examining postmortem adult brains that are clinically and genetically characterized, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that may lead to cognitive decline and other age-related conditions in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those who are experiencing age-related cognitive changes.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those who are not experiencing age-related cognitive issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of age-related cognitive decline in adults with autism spectrum disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on brain aging in general, this specific focus on adults with autism spectrum disorder and its unique neurodevelopmental aspects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.