Investigating how brain circuits contribute to anxiety in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Hyperactivity of the thalamo-hippocampal-prefrontal circuit as a mechanism for anxiety in Alzheimer disease - Resubmission - 1
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10991931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain circuits might cause anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease, using mouse models to find out what’s happening in the brain, with the hope of discovering new ways to help manage anxiety and improve overall well-being for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,044,038 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG085680-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind anxiety in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It examines specific brain circuits, particularly the thalamo-hippocampal-prefrontal circuit, to determine how their hyperactivity may lead to increased anxiety symptoms. By using advanced techniques in mouse models of AD, the study aims to identify the underlying biological processes that contribute to anxiety, which could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. The research is designed to provide insights that could improve patient outcomes by addressing both anxiety and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for anxiety in Alzheimer's patients, potentially improving their quality of life and slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding anxiety mechanisms in other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masurkar, Arjun Vijay — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Masurkar, Arjun Vijay
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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.