Nucleus reuniens in the thalamus as a way to support memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Nucleus reuniens of the thalamus as a target for driving network-wide memory states
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11419588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant supports research on how a specific brain region (nucleus reuniens) helps the memory network work together, with potential relevance for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS128718-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Alzheimer’s disease dementia or related memory disorders who might benefit from future brain-based therapies or diagnostic tools linked to hippocampal-prefrontal network function.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project currently uses animal models and is not a direct treatment for patients today.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how targeting the nucleus reuniens influences the connection between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus to support memory rhythms during wakefulness and sleep. The project uses rodent models and advanced optogenetic techniques to see if stimulating RE neurons can drive memory-like brain states and sleep oscillations. In the independent R00 phase, the team will test whether RE-driven activity modulates theta and delta sleep patterns in order to influence memory processing. This work builds a bridge from basic brain mechanisms in animals toward potential human applications for improving memory in Alzheimer’s disease. A sophisticated closed-loop system detects brain states in real time to guide stimulation.”
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform new brain-targeted approaches to preserve or enhance memory function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work demonstrates that manipulating nucleus reuniens can modulate memory-like brain networks in animals, supporting the potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
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East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viena, Tatiana Danela — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Viena, Tatiana Danela
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.