Investigating how brain circuits affect attention in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Molecular, cellular and physiological correlates of sustained attention in the locus coeruleus to anterior cingulate cortex circuit
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-10753763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain work together to help us pay attention, especially in people with Alzheimer's and other brain-related conditions, to find new ways to improve their focus and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | September 12, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $443,671 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH130066-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative disorders who experience attention deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with attention deficits not related to neurodegenerative disorders or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between brain circuits and sustained attention, particularly focusing on the anterior cingulate cortex and its connections to the locus coeruleus. By using continuous performance tests, the study aims to understand how these brain areas function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other neuropsychiatric disorders. The researchers will examine molecular and cellular mechanisms that may contribute to attention deficits, with the goal of identifying potential targets for new treatments. This work is crucial for developing strategies to improve cognitive function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that improve attention and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding attention deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinowich, Keri — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Martinowich, Keri
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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.