Understanding brain interactions in aging and Alzheimer's disease using rat models
Official title: Frontal and Temporal Lobe Interactions in Rat Models of Normative Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10639909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the connections between certain parts of the brain change as rats get older and develop Alzheimer's disease, helping us learn more about memory problems that come with aging and could lead to better treatments for people facing similar issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,166,421 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG081767-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10639909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia who are not involved in research or animal model studies may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactions between different brain regions, particularly the frontal and temporal lobes, change as rats age and develop Alzheimer's disease. By using animal models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline and memory issues associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers will analyze how these brain circuit interactions are altered in both normal aging and Alzheimer's disease to better understand the underlying processes. This could lead to insights that may inform future treatments for cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using animal models to study brain interactions and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnes, Carol a. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Barnes, Carol a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipids and brain aging in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease by studying blood and brain-related lipid patterns.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids in aging and Alzheimer's disease
A lipid-focused research effort is exploring how fat-related molecules influence brain aging and Alzheimer's disease to uncover new ideas for care.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids to understand aging and Alzheimer’s disease
This grant studies how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Team science approach to study aging and Alzheimer’s disease with machine learning and functional genomics
A combined team effort will use advanced computer models and brain cell data to understand how aging influences Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Brains aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a multi-scale MRI and biology study
Researchers will combine advanced diffusion MRI and biological data to better understand how aging relates to Alzheimer’s disease in people, aiming to spot early signals that may lead to prevention.
-
Studying how aging and Alzheimer’s affect the front part of the brain using real-time imaging and computer models
Researchers will combine live brain imaging in animals with computer simulations to understand how aging and Alzheimer’s disease change the prefrontal cortex and relate to memory and thinking problems.
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.