Strategies to protect the brain from arsenic-related damage in Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Strategies to Mitigate Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Neurotoxicity
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11442175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A NIH grant is exploring how arsenic exposure may worsen memory and brain changes in people with Alzheimer’s disease and how we might prevent or lessen that damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $403,972 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS152092-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11442175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease who might be affected by arsenic exposure or age-related dementia.
✕Less likely to help
People without arsenic exposure risk or those without cognitive symptoms may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how arsenic trioxide harms brain cells and cognitive function, especially in the context of Alzheimer’s disease risk. Researchers will map the cellular pathways involved and test potential therapies that could block or lessen the neurotoxic effects. The work builds on existing brain and molecular profiling to pinpoint targets like ISR and STING that could be modified to protect patients. The goal is to develop strategies that could be translated into treatments or safeguards for people at risk of dementia linked to arsenic exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to prevent or reduce cognitive decline in people exposed to arsenic, especially those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies link arsenic exposure to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative changes, with some success in understanding mechanisms, but effective countermeasures are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khan, Mohammad Moshahid — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Khan, Mohammad Moshahid
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.