Investigating the relationship between tau protein and synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: A multimodal examination of Alzheimer's disease pathology and synaptic loss
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11068460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the buildup of tau protein affects brain connections in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone from healthy individuals to those with early signs of memory issues, to help us better understand and diagnose the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,115 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG087651-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are cognitively unimpaired or have mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with or without biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not meet the cognitive criteria for participation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how tau protein accumulation relates to synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a major cause of dementia. By using advanced imaging techniques and blood biomarkers, the study aims to measure these changes in living individuals across different stages of AD. Participants will include those who are cognitively healthy as well as those with mild cognitive impairment. The goal is to provide insights into the biological progression of AD and improve diagnostic methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using imaging techniques to study Alzheimer's pathology, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Kao Lee — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Yang, Kao Lee
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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.