The effects of estrogens on brain health and aging in women.
Official title: Estrogens, Cardiometabolic Health, and Female Cognitive Aging
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11032832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how menopause might raise the risk of Alzheimer's and whether estrogen therapy can help protect brain health, especially for women with different heart and metabolic health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,551,332 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG071746-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women, particularly those with varying levels of cardiometabolic health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pre-existing severe cognitive impairment or those not experiencing menopause may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the loss of ovarian function at menopause may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It explores the neuroprotective effects of estrogens and their potential to improve cognitive aging, particularly in women with varying cardiometabolic health. By using an aging female rodent model, the study aims to determine if estrogen therapy can benefit brain function when started in healthy individuals versus those with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or metabolic syndrome. The research will analyze the mechanisms through which estrogens influence both brain memory systems and cardiometabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for using estrogen therapy to protect cognitive function in aging women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding estrogen therapy's effects on cognitive health, making this investigation both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daniel, Jill M — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Daniel, Jill M
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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.