THC exposure and brain circuit changes in teens and adults with Alzheimer’s risk
Official title: THC exposure and inhibitory circuit plasticity in the neocortex
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11381288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Carnegie Mellon will explore how the main cannabis component THC affects brain circuits involved in memory and behavior, including teens and young adults at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA064020-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are individuals or populations at risk for Alzheimer’s-related dementia, or those studying neurodevelopment and cannabinoid exposure in adolescence or young adulthood.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to cannabinoids or without interest in brain circuit research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This research looks at how THC might change the activity of specific brain cells involved in attention and memory. Using living animals, researchers will image two interneuron types (VIP and SST) to see how THC alters their activity during tasks and sensations. They will also examine synapses on these neurons to quantify THC-induced changes. The study aims to connect cellular effects of THC to potential changes in brain function relevant to Alzheimer’s-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve understanding of how cannabis exposure influences brain circuits linked to memory and may inform guidance for people at risk of Alzheimer’s dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows THC can alter interneuron activity, but this project will examine long-term effects and specific interneuron subtypes (VIP and SST).
Where this research is happening
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Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barth, Alison L — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Barth, Alison L
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.