Investigating how aging affects memory storage and retrieval in the brain
Official title: From functional to dysfunctional neural network dynamics underpinning memory storage and retrieval across young adult and aged mice
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-10933996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the brain's ability to help us remember things, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease, by observing mice as they complete memory tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $212,095 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087912-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those with significant cognitive impairment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the aging process alters the dynamics of cholinergic modulation, which is crucial for memory storage and retrieval. By studying the hippocampal area CA3 in mice, the project aims to understand the neural changes that lead to cognitive decline and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers will collect data on neural activity and cholinergic modulation while the mice perform memory tasks, and they will create a detailed computational model to simulate these processes. This approach will help identify the mechanisms behind age-related memory impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of memory loss in aging and Alzheimer's disease, potentially informing future treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cholinergic modulation and its effects on memory, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dannenberg, Holger — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Dannenberg, Holger
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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.