Understanding Brain Changes in Aging and Menopause Related to Alzheimer's
Official title: A spatially resolved joint cortical metabolome and proteome in aging and menopause for the rhesus macaque
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11088744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at brain changes in aging and during menopause in a monkey model to better understand how Alzheimer's disease starts in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $738,587 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078616-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational animal research is relevant for individuals concerned about late-onset Alzheimer's disease, especially women experiencing menopause, as it aims to uncover disease mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science animal research.
What this research studies
We are exploring how the brain changes with age and during menopause, especially focusing on early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are studying rhesus macaques because their brains and aging process are very similar to humans, making them excellent models for understanding late-onset Alzheimer's. This work aims to uncover the specific chemical and protein changes that happen in different parts of the brain before Alzheimer's symptoms become clear. By mapping these changes, we hope to find new ways to detect and address the disease earlier.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women, potentially paving the way for new diagnostic tools or treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Macaque monkeys are recognized as valuable models for studying human aging and Alzheimer's-like brain changes, building on previous research demonstrating their relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Disney, Anita a — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Disney, Anita a
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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.