Investigating how changes in brain metabolism affect aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Alterations in neuronal metabolic pathways contribute to human cognitive aging and are exacerbated in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-10894920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects brain cells and how these changes are even more pronounced in Alzheimer's disease, using brain cells from patients to find ways to help improve thinking and memory in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,200 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG078557-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the metabolic changes in neurons that occur with aging and how these changes are intensified in Alzheimer's disease. By using induced neurons derived from patients, the study aims to differentiate between normal aging processes and those associated with Alzheimer's. The researchers will employ various experimental techniques to analyze these metabolic pathways, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's. The goal is to identify specific alterations that could be targeted to improve cognitive health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or alter the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding metabolic pathways in aging and Alzheimer's, but this specific approach using induced neurons is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Jeffrey Ray — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Jones, Jeffrey Ray
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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.