Investigating the effects of tau pathology in the brain related to early Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
Official title: Behavioral and Molecular Consequences of Tau Pathology in Locus Coeruleus in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11004611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the buildup of a protein called tau in a part of the brain affects early signs of Alzheimer's, like feeling anxious, restless, or having trouble sleeping, to find ways to help improve life for people who are just starting to experience these symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG081046-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how tau protein accumulation in a specific brain region, the locus coeruleus, affects early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances. By examining the relationship between tau pathology and these non-cognitive symptoms, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic interventions that could improve quality of life for individuals in the prodromal stages of Alzheimer's. The approach includes analyzing brain tissue and assessing changes in neuronal activity and receptor levels associated with tau accumulation. This research is crucial as it targets the early stages of Alzheimer's, which are often overlooked in current treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research specifically targeting tau pathology in the early stages of Alzheimer's, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the role of tau in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Korukonda, Anuradha — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Korukonda, Anuradha
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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.