Investigating how viral exposure and age affect Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: The Role of Viral Exposure and Age in Alzheimer's Disease Progression
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11080977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viral infections might affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease in older adults, especially those who are genetically at risk, to help find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,494 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082899-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, especially those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or other risk factors for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have any risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between viral infections and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older adults. It aims to understand how repeated exposure to pathogens may contribute to the development of AD, particularly in individuals with genetic risk factors. The study will examine the effects of age on this relationship and how infections might alter cellular metabolism, potentially accelerating cognitive decline. By using animal models, researchers will gather insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, particularly for those at higher risk due to age or genetic factors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has suggested that infections may play a role in cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential but is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwezdaryk, Kevin John — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Zwezdaryk, Kevin John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.