Investigating neurotransmitter changes in Alzheimer’s disease and aging
Dynamic GABA and Glutamate Neurotransmission in Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals change as we age and in people with Alzheimer's, using special tools to see these changes in real-time in animals, which could help us find new ways to treat and monitor Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017836 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the balance of neurotransmitters, specifically glutamate and GABA, changes in the brain during aging and in Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced microelectrode arrays, researchers aim to measure neurotransmitter release in real-time in animal models. This approach will help identify the mechanisms behind neuronal degeneration and could lead to new treatment options and monitoring techniques for Alzheimer's disease. The study seeks to fill knowledge gaps regarding the excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain as they relate to aging and Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cognitive impairments not related to aging or Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies and monitoring techniques for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neurotransmitter dynamics in aging and Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerhardt, Greg a. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Gerhardt, Greg a.
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 below.