Understanding brain rhythms in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Elucidating circuit mechanisms of brain rhythms in the aging brain
This work explores how brain rhythms, which are important for memory, change with age and Alzheimer's disease, and looks for ways to improve them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orangeburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains use special rhythms to help us think and remember, but these rhythms can become disrupted in aging and conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This project focuses on a specific brain area, the supramammillary nucleus (SuM), which appears to control these important memory rhythms. We are working to understand how the SuM and its connections contribute to memory problems and how we might use gentle stimulation to improve brain rhythms and memory function. The goal is to find new ways to help people maintain their cognitive abilities as they age and in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for individuals interested in the underlying brain mechanisms of memory and how they are affected by aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, non-invasive treatments that help prevent or reverse memory decline in people with aging-related memory issues or Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of the supramammillary nucleus as a theta modulator is a novel focus, other research has shown success in using brain stimulation to influence brain rhythms and improve cognitive function.
Where this research is happening
Orangeburg, United States
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res — Orangeburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shuo — Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shuo
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.