Investigating if prenatal alcohol exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Is prenatal alcohol exposure a risk factor for the onset and progression of AD/ADRD?

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-10844603

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy might affect brain development and lead to memory problems like Alzheimer's disease later in life, using mice to help us understand the potential risks for people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-10844603 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the potential link between prenatal alcohol exposure and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementia (ADRD). By studying age-matched mice, the researchers aim to understand how prenatal alcohol might affect brain development and contribute to cognitive disorders later in life. The study will involve various behavioral tests to assess the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain function and structure. This investigation seeks to fill a gap in current knowledge regarding the long-term effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on cognitive health in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure or those concerned about its potential long-term effects.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease linked to prenatal alcohol exposure.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on alcohol consumption and cognitive disorders, this specific investigation into prenatal exposure as a risk factor for AD/ADRD is novel.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, 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.
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.