Understanding Brain Connections and Memory as We Age

The contribution of declines in functional connectivity to cognitive aging

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11078241

This research explores how changes in brain connections affect memory and thinking skills in older adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11078241 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many older adults experience memory and thinking changes that can impact their daily lives, sometimes leading to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This project aims to understand how the brain's connections, both at the level of individual cells and larger networks, contribute to these cognitive changes. By bridging the gap between these different levels of brain activity, we hope to uncover the exact ways cognitive decline happens. Our ultimate goal is to find new ways to help improve memory and thinking for people as they get older and for those with Alzheimer's disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for older adults, particularly those experiencing age-related memory decline or who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients whose cognitive decline is due to causes other than age-related changes or Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve memory and thinking skills for older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has linked changes in brain cells and networks to cognitive decline, but this project uniquely aims to connect these changes across different scales to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

GAINESVILLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.