NIH-funded research Career grant

Investigating how different types of brain cells affect memory and aging in Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Role of Microglial Heterogeneity on Cognitive Resilience in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11081773 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how special brain cells called microglia help keep our thinking sharp as we get older and deal with Alzheimer's, using advanced imaging techniques in mice to find ways to support memory and brain health in older adults.

More s Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$155,520
NIH project number5K08AG081460-02
Project IDNIH-11081773 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those showing early signs of cognitive decline or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who are not experiencing any cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of microglia, a type of brain cell, in maintaining cognitive function as people age and in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to integrate various data sources, including brain imaging and postmortem analysis, to explore how these cells contribute to cognitive resilience. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will study microglial behavior in mouse models of Alzheimer's, which may provide insights into how to protect memory and cognitive abilities in aging individuals. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing brain health in older adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve cognitive function in aging individuals and those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nguyen, Aivi Thanh — Mayo Clinic Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Nguyen, Aivi Thanh

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.