Investigating how brain aromatase affects Alzheimer's dementia and exploring a new therapy using light treatment.
Official title: Role of Brain Aromatase in Alzheimer's Dementia: Sex differences and the Preventive Therapy using Pulsed Photobiomodulation
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10878543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain enzyme called aromatase and estrogen levels might affect memory and thinking in women with Alzheimer's, and it will test a light therapy to see if it can help improve brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $769,978 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG083947-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing cognitive decline related to aromatase inhibition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those not affected by cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of brain aromatase and its relationship with Alzheimer's disease, particularly how it affects women differently. The study will explore how a decline in brain aromatase and estrogen levels may contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Researchers will investigate the potential of pulsed photobiomodulation, a light-based therapy, to enhance aromatase activity and improve cognitive function. By using animal models, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive therapies for Alzheimer's disease, particularly benefiting women who are disproportionately affected.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using pulsed photobiomodulation is novel, similar studies have shown promise in targeting hormonal pathways to improve cognitive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhandapani, Krishnan M. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Dhandapani, Krishnan M.
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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.