Investigating how microglia affect cognitive and motor issues in Parkinson's disease
Official title: The role of microglia in Parkinson's disease cognitive and motor impairment
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11048361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells called microglia might affect the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in people who are just starting to experience it, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $670,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136702-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease or mild cognitive impairment related to Parkinson's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease or those without cognitive or motor impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and its associated cognitive and motor impairments. By using a specialized imaging technique that targets microglial activation, the study aims to explore how these cells contribute to the severity of symptoms in patients with early-stage PD and mild cognitive impairment. Patients will undergo imaging to assess microglial activity, which may help identify common mechanisms that drive disease progression across different forms of PD. The ultimate goal is to develop better diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic strategies for managing PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from cognitive and motor impairments associated with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microglial activation in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mills, Kelly Alexander — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mills, Kelly Alexander
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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.