Understanding brain circuits involved in navigation difficulties in Alzheimer's disease

Cell-type-specific dissection of retrosplenial circuits in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10900895

This study is looking at how certain brain cells affect the way people with Alzheimer's disease get lost or feel disoriented, with the hope that understanding these cells can help create better treatments for navigation problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10900895 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific brain cells in the retrosplenial cortex contribute to spatial disorientation in Alzheimer's disease. By examining preclinical models, the study aims to identify the role of low-rheobase cells in processing orientation information, which is crucial for navigation and memory. The approach involves detailed dissection of brain circuits to understand their dysfunction in Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to targeted therapies for navigation-related symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who experience spatial disorientation.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who do not exhibit symptoms of spatial disorientation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve navigation and memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting specific brain circuits can lead to improvements in cognitive functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease model
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.