Investigating the causes of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

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NIH-funded research Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11046346

This study is looking at how certain brain cells can cause problems in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and it's trying to find ways to help those cells work better to protect the brain instead of causing harm.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046346 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, which lead to the death of neurons in the brain. The team studies how glial cells in the central nervous system become activated and produce harmful inflammatory molecules that contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal death. They also explore how dysfunction in cellular processes like autophagy can lead to protein aggregation, which is a hallmark of these diseases. By identifying these pathways, the research aims to find ways to redirect glial cells to produce protective molecules instead.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative disorders not related to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that slow down or prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.