Investigating how aging affects brain cell function and health.
Official title: BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at Miami VA Health Care System · NIH-11046866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study, led by Dr. Antonio Barrientos, is looking at how aging affects brain cells and what happens to them under stress, with the goal of finding ways to protect these cells and help older veterans and others who may be facing memory and thinking challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK6BX006815-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly veterans, who are experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related cognitive decline or neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological processes that lead to neurodegenerative diseases as people age. The team, led by Dr. Antonio Barrientos, studies how mitochondrial function and protein management in brain cells change over time, particularly under stress conditions that can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential ways to protect brain cells and improve health outcomes for aging individuals. The findings could help develop strategies to extend the health-span of veterans and others affected by age-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help maintain cognitive function and overall health in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroprotection in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami VA Health Care System
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barrientos, Antoni — Miami VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Barrientos, Antoni
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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.