Investigating the connection between Alzheimer's disease and changes in the retina
Alzheimer's Disease Hallmark Pathology and Associated Inflammation in the Retina
This study is looking at how Alzheimer's disease affects the eyes by checking special immune cells in the retina and their links to key features of the disease, hoping to find clues that could help track its progress and improve treatments for people with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10930883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Alzheimer's disease affects the retina by examining specific immune cells called microglia and their relationship to the disease's hallmark features, such as tau and amyloid proteins. Researchers will analyze postmortem retinal tissues and corresponding brain samples from individuals with varying cognitive statuses, including those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. By exploring these connections, the study aims to uncover potential biomarkers and mechanisms that could indicate disease progression and impact treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or those who are cognitively normal but have Alzheimer's pathology.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any form of Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease by identifying retinal changes associated with the condition.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in linking retinal changes to Alzheimer's pathology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into the disease.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koronyo-Hamaoui, Maya — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Koronyo-Hamaoui, Maya
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.