Investigating how brain changes affect memory in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Extracellular matrix and memory impairments in Alzheimer disease
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11095864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in certain brain structures might affect memory problems in people with Alzheimer's disease, using mice to help understand why it's harder to recognize familiar faces.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,552 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085359-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing memory impairments related to dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with memory impairments due to causes other than Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between the extracellular matrix and memory impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It examines how specific brain structures, particularly in the hippocampus, are affected by amyloid and tau proteins, which are known to disrupt memory function. By studying mouse models of AD, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind social recognition memory loss, which is crucial for recognizing familiar individuals. The approach involves analyzing the degradation of specialized structures called perineuronal nets that support memory-related neurons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sontheimer, Harald W — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sontheimer, Harald W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mitochondrial energy problems in men and women with Alzheimer’s disease
This grant tests how mitochondria differ between men and women with Alzheimer's disease to find ways to tailor care.
-
Mitochondrial energy problems in people with Alzheimer’s and related brain diseases
A research effort is looking at how mitochondrial energy problems differ between men and women with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and what this means for future care.
-
Understanding Alzheimer's Genetic Risk in African and Admixed African-American People
A study looks at genetic factors and biomarkers to understand why Alzheimer's disease affects African and admixed African-American communities differently.
-
Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American communities
Researchers will study how genes influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African ancestry to better understand why the disease affects diverse communities differently.
-
Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in African and African-American Ancestries
Researchers are studying how genes influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African and mixed African-American backgrounds to improve understanding and prevention.
-
Understanding genetic risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American communities
Researchers are studying how genetic factors influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African ancestry to better understand why dementia affects these groups differently.
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.