Investigating how elevated FSH levels may contribute to Alzheimer's disease in women

Elevated FSH - A Driver for Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10894914

This study is looking at how higher levels of a hormone called FSH during menopause might be linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease in women, and it aims to find ways to protect brain health by understanding how FSH affects thinking and memory.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10894914 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and the increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women, particularly during the menopausal transition. It examines how rising FSH levels may lead to cognitive decline and AD pathology by studying both human and mouse models. The research involves collaborative efforts to understand the mechanisms by which FSH affects brain function and contributes to the development of AD, including the role of FSH receptors in the brain. By inhibiting FSH action in experimental models, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate the effects of FSH on cognitive decline.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are post-menopausal women who are experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not post-menopausal or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to hormonal changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target FSH levels to reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer's disease in women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a correlation between hormonal changes and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on FSH is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.