Targeting neuroinflammation to protect against brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: A novel approach for targeting neuroinflammation in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10806830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that uses tiny molecules to help reduce inflammation in the brain, which could improve thinking skills and help manage Alzheimer's disease, and it’s aimed at finding better options for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $281,962 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085456-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10806830 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment aimed at reducing neuroinflammation, which is believed to play a significant role in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. The approach involves using specially designed small molecules called Nanoligomers that target specific mediators of neuroinflammation, namely NF-κB and NLRP3. By conducting pre-clinical studies on aging and Alzheimer's mouse models, the research aims to evaluate how effectively these Nanoligomers can enhance cognitive function and reduce the pathological features associated with Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from insights gained from this research that could lead to new therapeutic options for managing Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that slow down or prevent cognitive decline in aging individuals and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting neuroinflammation for cognitive enhancement, suggesting that this approach could be a viable avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larocca, Thomas — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Larocca, Thomas
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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.