Investigating the link between fungal infections and Alzheimer's Disease
Chronic Murine Cerebral Mycosis: Pathogenesis, Neuroimmune Response, and Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease
This study is looking at how a type of fungus might be linked to Alzheimer's Disease by seeing if it can enter the brain and affect memory, which could help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the potential connection between fungal brain infections and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). By using a model that involves injecting the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans into the bloodstream, the study aims to understand how this fungus can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect memory and brain health. The researchers will analyze the resulting brain infections and their similarities to the plaques found in Alzheimer's patients, which could provide insights into the disease's progression and potential treatment avenues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's Disease or those experiencing early cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's Disease or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's Disease by targeting fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between fungal infections and Alzheimer's is a novel area of investigation, preliminary studies have suggested potential connections that warrant further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bimler, Lynn — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bimler, Lynn
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.