The effects of metal mixtures on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
Neurotoxicity due to Environmental complex Metal Mixtures Exposure
This study is looking at how being around certain metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium might play a role in causing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, so we can better understand how these metals affect memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10591120 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to mixtures of metals, specifically lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By studying the mechanisms of neurotoxicity in both animal models and human brain organoids, the research aims to understand how these metal mixtures affect cognitive functions, memory, and anxiety. The study will explore the biological pathways involved in these effects, providing insights into the risks associated with chronic exposure to these environmental toxins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may have been exposed to environmental metal mixtures and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of exposure to these metal mixtures or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessments and preventive strategies for Alzheimer's disease related to environmental metal exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that exposure to individual metals can negatively impact neurological health, but this study focuses on the novel approach of examining metal mixtures, which has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sille, Fenna — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sille, Fenna
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 below.