NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Sex-specific acceleration of aging-related brain changes after adolescent alcohol exposure

Official title: Sex Specific Acceleration of Pathological Aging After AIE

Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11416536 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project looks at how binge drinking during adolescence might speed up brain aging and dementia risk, especially in people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

More Aging research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of Ny,binghamton
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Binghamton, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2009
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$261,400
NIH project number5P50AA017823-18
Project IDNIH-11416536 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include individuals with a history of adolescent binge drinking or families at risk for ADRD, who could participate in related future translational or biomarker studies.

Less likely to help

Direct benefits are unlikely for someone without a history of adolescent alcohol exposure or ADRD risk factors.

What this research studies

If you or a loved one is concerned about how early-life alcohol use affects brain health later on, this project investigates how adolescent binge drinking could change brain aging processes. Researchers use a rat model to study how intermittent alcohol exposure during adolescence impacts brain cells, nerve connections, and markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease, paying attention to differences between sexes. The study also examines whether these changes make the brain more vulnerable to aging and whether new neurotrophic signals might protect or worsen outcomes. By exploring both normal aging trajectories and AD-like pathology, the work aims to uncover mechanisms that could inform prevention or intervention strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding mechanisms could lead to better prevention or treatment strategies for dementia risk associated with early alcohol exposure.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that early alcohol exposure can alter brain structure and aging-related changes; this project builds on that foundation with sex-specific and AD-model investigations.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of Ny,binghamton
    Binghamton, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Savage, Lisa M — State University of Ny,binghamton
  • Study coordinator: Savage, Lisa M

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.