Mapping aging patterns in the aged human brain to better model Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Mapping the landscape of the aged human brain for neurodegenerative disease models
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11537713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how aging in the human brain contributes to Alzheimer’s disease to help create better models and therapies for people affected by memory loss and dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $809,512 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AG087874-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11537713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions who may benefit from improved disease models and personalized approaches in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits may be limited in the near term, as the work focuses on model development and data analysis rather than immediate clinical treatment.
What this research studies
This project aims to use large post-mortem brain data and advanced AI to understand how aging shapes brain cells and networks relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. By integrating multi-omic brain datasets with aging information, the team hopes to identify age-related genetic programs that drive neurodegeneration. The work builds on hiPSC models and aging techniques to improve disease modeling in humans rather than relying solely on traditional animal models. The project spans several years and includes analyzing complex datasets to reveal actionable insights for future therapies. Importantly, findings could guide the development of aging-aware models that more accurately reflect human Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better, aging-aware models of Alzheimer’s disease could accelerate the discovery of effective treatments and interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous multi-omic analyses and hiPSC aging approaches have advanced understanding, with growing evidence that aging integration improves disease modeling.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Jessica E — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Young, Jessica E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Making genetic testing more accessible to the public
This study is all about making it easier for people at risk of certain cancers, like breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, to get genetic testing, so we can find out what helps them access these important services and understand how they can benefit from them.
-
Breast cancer diagnosis in low-resource settings using millifluidics and fast digital imaging in Ghana
A new project will test a fast, low-cost way to diagnose breast cancer at the point of care in Ghana using small-batch fluidics and direct digital imaging.
-
Binaural Hearing and Speech in Noise in Children
This project explores how children hear speech in noisy classrooms using how the two ears work together to see if binaural processing differences explain why some kids struggle more than others.
-
Neural circuits that control pain aversion in the brain
Researchers are exploring how a specific brain area helps people feel and avoid pain, with potential to lead to better pain treatments.
-
United World Antiviral Research Network (UWARN)
A collaborative, international effort is testing new virus surveillance and evolution ideas to help people living with HIV and communities in LMICs stay safer from current and emerging viruses.
-
HF endotypes in heart failure using ethical multi-modal AI and molecular data
A patient-friendly project that uses advanced AI and multiple kinds of health data to identify distinct heart failure subtypes that could guide personalized care.
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.