NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating the link between HIV-1 and Alzheimer's disease

Official title: HIV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease: Comorbidity

Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-10760712 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how HIV might affect the development and worsening of Alzheimer's disease in older adults, using special mouse models to see if HIV makes memory problems from Alzheimer's happen faster.

More s Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Edinburg, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$407,000
NIH project number1R21AG084378-01
Project IDNIH-10760712 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 50 and older who are living with HIV and may be experiencing cognitive decline.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have HIV or Alzheimer's disease may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores how HIV-1 may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in older adults. By using specialized mouse models that mimic human Alzheimer's conditions, the study aims to determine if HIV infection accelerates cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's. The researchers will employ a variety of methods, including behavioral assessments and pharmacological interventions, to gather data on the interaction between these two conditions. The findings could provide critical insights into the relationship between HIV and Alzheimer's disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for individuals suffering from both HIV and Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between HIV and cognitive decline has been explored, this specific investigation into the interaction with Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    Edinburg, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Benamar, Khalid — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Study coordinator: Benamar, Khalid

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.