Investigating how aging affects social memory through cyclic nucleotide signaling

Role of Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling in Age-related Decline of Social Memories

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10541235

This study is looking at how getting older affects our ability to remember social interactions, especially by examining a specific enzyme in the brain that might play a role in this memory decline, with the hope of finding new ways to help older adults improve their social memory.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10541235 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of aging on social memory, particularly how cognitive decline affects the ability to remember social interactions. It focuses on the role of cyclic nucleotide signaling in the ventral hippocampus, a brain region crucial for storing social memories. By studying the enzyme phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A), which breaks down important signaling molecules, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind age-related memory decline. The findings could lead to new therapeutic approaches for improving social memory in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over the age of 60, who are experiencing cognitive decline or memory issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 60 or those without any cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve social memory in older adults, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cyclic nucleotide signaling in cognitive functions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.
Conditions social disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.