NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating tau biomarkers in older adults with late-onset psychosis

Official title: Tau biomarkers in late-onset psychosis

Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11018639 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how late-onset psychosis might be connected to Alzheimer's disease by checking for certain markers in the blood and brain of older adults who have psychotic symptoms but aren't showing signs of memory problems yet.

More Psychosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFeinstein Institute for Medical Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Manhasset, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$213,563
NIH project number5R21MH135148-02
Project IDNIH-11018639 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing psychotic symptoms without significant cognitive impairment.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute medical conditions or prominent mood symptoms may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the relationship between late-onset psychosis and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It aims to explore whether elevated levels of tau biomarkers, which are associated with neurodegenerative conditions, can be detected in older adults experiencing psychotic symptoms without cognitive impairment. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques and blood tests to gather data on tau pathology in this population. By identifying these biomarkers, the research hopes to shed light on the underlying mechanisms linking psychosis and dementia.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using tau biomarkers in this context is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the link between psychosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Where this research is happening

  • Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
    Manhasset, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Koppel, Jeremy — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
  • Study coordinator: Koppel, Jeremy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Psychosis in diverse settings across the world

    This project studies how psychotic disorders show up and respond to treatment in adults with diverse backgrounds, including populations in Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings.

    NIH research Suny Downstate Medical Center · Brooklyn, United States · NIH-11592428

  • Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South

    A human-facing study will look at how psychotic disorders present and respond to treatment in adults from Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings, using genetic and clinical data.

    NIH research Suny Downstate Medical Center · Brooklyn, United States · NIH-11592427

  • A new online brain-scan-style tool to spot early psychosis risk

    A new online-based set of tasks and a computer model aims to identify people at high risk for developing psychosis earlier and more accurately.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11590585

  • Genetic clues for early-onset psychosis in Latino youth

    This project looks at the genes of young people with early-onset psychosis and compares them with similar youths without psychosis to find genetic factors that contribute to the illness.

    NIH research Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11554752

  • Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia

    A clinician-scientist is developing a brain-based biomarker to guide personalized rehabilitation for Veterans with schizophrenia.

    NIH research VA San Diego Healthcare System · San Diego, United States · NIH-11552825

  • Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis

    Aims to develop computer-based measures of facial expression in people at risk for or with schizophrenia to help track symptoms and guide future trials.

    NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11539126

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.