Perimenopause brain immune and metabolic changes linked to Alzheimer's risk
Project 2: Metabolic and Immune Systems of Biology Interactions as Initiators and Drivers of Alzheimer's Pathology in Brain: Therapeutic Targets and Windows
We are looking at how immune and metabolic changes in the brain during perimenopause may raise Alzheimer's risk in midlife women and whether targeting those changes could help prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows the perimenopausal transition to find brain immune and metabolic changes that predict higher Alzheimer's risk. Researchers will map immune cell activity and gene expression across menopausal stages and compare patterns by APOE genotype. The work uses human samples and complementary models to identify which cells drive metabolic stress and when interventions might work best. Findings will be translated into markers and therapeutic targets aimed at preventing conversion to an at-risk Alzheimer’s brain profile in midlife women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are midlife women who are in perimenopause or early postmenopause, particularly those worried about Alzheimer's risk or who carry the APOE-ε4 gene.
Not a fit: People who are men, much younger than midlife, or already living with advanced Alzheimer's are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce early detection markers and targeted treatments to prevent or delay Alzheimer's in midlife women.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have linked menopause, immune changes, and APOE to Alzheimer's risk, but immune-targeted prevention during perimenopause remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brinton, Roberta Eileen — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Brinton, Roberta Eileen
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.