Investigating early changes in brain function related to Alzheimer's disease
An animal model of early Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis in the interoceptive-allostatic network
This study is looking at how early Alzheimer's disease impacts thinking and feelings by using middle-aged monkeys to see how certain brain changes happen, which could help us understand what people with Alzheimer's experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10500542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how early Alzheimer's disease affects both cognitive and emotional aspects of brain function using a nonhuman primate model. The study focuses on the interoceptive-allostatic network, which is responsible for regulating emotions and internal bodily states. By administering amyloid beta oligomers to middle-aged rhesus monkeys, researchers aim to observe the resulting changes in synapses and neuroinflammation, which may mirror the early stages of Alzheimer's in humans. The findings could provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of Alzheimer's-related affective changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing cognitive and emotional changes.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive or emotional symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how Alzheimer's disease affects emotional health, potentially guiding new therapeutic approaches.
How similar studies have performed: While research on Alzheimer's primarily focuses on cognitive decline, this approach to studying emotional changes in early Alzheimer's is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bliss-Moreau, Eliza — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Bliss-Moreau, Eliza
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.