NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how myeloid cells differ in Alzheimer's disease and HIV-related cognitive issues.

Official title: Harnessing Single Cell Epigenome-wide profiling of Myeloid cells to Compare and Contrast Alzheimer's from HIV-Associated Cognitive Dysfunction

Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11034783 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how memory and thinking problems from Alzheimer's disease are different from those caused by HIV in older adults, and it hopes to find special markers in immune cells that can help doctors tell them apart better.

More Cognitive Dysfunction research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMarch 15, 2020
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$63,017
NIH project number3R01AG063846-05S1
Project IDNIH-11034783 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 60 years old who are living with HIV and experiencing cognitive difficulties.

Less likely to help

Patients under 60 years old or those without cognitive impairments related to HIV or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the differences between cognitive impairments caused by Alzheimer's disease and those associated with HIV in older adults. By analyzing myeloid cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response, the study aims to identify unique biomarkers that can help differentiate between these two conditions. Using advanced single-cell epigenome-wide profiling techniques, researchers will explore the genetic and epigenetic signatures of these cells in individuals over 60 years old. This approach could lead to improved diagnostic methods for clinicians treating patients with cognitive decline.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for older adults experiencing cognitive impairments.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using epigenetic profiling to differentiate between various cognitive disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ndhlovu, Lishomwa C — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
  • Study coordinator: Ndhlovu, Lishomwa C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • HIV-related brain inflammation and the complement system explained

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  • Pain, Mood, and Thinking Problems in HIV- and AUD-risk Patients

    A long-running NIH grant explores how alcohol use, HIV, and negative feelings affect thinking and pain, with the goal of improving care for people living with HIV who struggle with alcohol-related problems.

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  • Thinking and brain changes in childhood lupus

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  • Brain immune cells and cognitive trouble in lupus

    A study in lupus patients and mouse models looks at how brain macrophages may be linked to thinking problems.

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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.