Investigating how smell loss relates to memory problems in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Linking olfactory deficits to memory impairment and AD neurodegeneration
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11079665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with smell might be linked to memory issues in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these changes happen as we age, with the hope of finding better ways to spot Alzheimer's early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $757,512 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070088-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079665 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include older adults, particularly those experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early signs of memory loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between olfactory deficits and memory impairment in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). By using advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI, the study aims to identify how neurodegeneration affects the brain's olfactory network and its relationship with memory functions. The researchers will examine both cognitively normal individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment to understand age-related changes and the progression of cognitive decline. The ultimate goal is to develop better diagnostic markers for early detection of AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early diagnosis and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that olfactory deficits can be linked to cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karunanayaka, Prasanna Rasika — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Karunanayaka, Prasanna Rasika
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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.