Investigating neurodegenerative diseases affecting aging veterans
Official title: BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10951541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how aging affects brain diseases that many veterans face, like Alzheimer's and ALS, to find new ways to protect brain cells and improve health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6BX006467-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are aging veterans who are at risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or ALS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or do not have age-related neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding neurodegenerative diseases related to aging, particularly those that impact veterans' health. A team of interdisciplinary researchers is working to identify genes and pathways involved in these diseases, with the goal of developing small-molecule neuroprotective agents. They utilize various model systems, including transgenic worms, rodents, and human cellular models, to study the mechanisms of neurotoxicity. The findings aim to inform the development of therapeutic strategies for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and ALS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect against neurodegenerative diseases in aging veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing neuroprotective strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kraemer, Brian C. — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Kraemer, Brian C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving prosthetic fitting in rural areas with remote limb scanning
A study tests whether a helper can remotely capture limb shape with affordable digital tools to create a well-fitting prosthetic socket, reducing travel for rural Veterans.
-
Gentle electrical stimulation to keep muscles strong during stem cell transplant
This project uses small, gentle electrical pulses to try to help Veterans keep muscle strength and reduce fatigue during and after stem cell transplants for blood cancers.
-
Home-based conservative care for advanced kidney disease in older adults
A patient-friendly look at a program that uses home-based, multidisciplinary care to support older Veterans with advanced kidney disease who choose to avoid dialysis.
-
Genetic predictors of recovery and surgical outcomes for Veterans with chronic low back pain and lumbosacral spine disorders
This project uses VA health records and genetic information to find DNA markers linked to how Veterans fare with chronic low back pain and related spine conditions.
-
Optimizing how we capture foot shape to make better custom insoles for diabetes-related foot problems
A new project will compare different ways of capturing foot shape to make more comfortable, better-fitting insoles that reduce pressure and help prevent ulcers in adults with diabetes.
-
Center for Limb Loss and Mobility at VA Puget Sound: improving mobility for Veterans with limb loss
A VA center funded to improve movement, independence, and participation for Veterans with lower limb loss or mobility challenges through innovative research and patient-focused care.
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.