Understanding DNA Damage in Alzheimer's and Related Dementias

Programmed DNA Damage and its Role in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11132971

This work explores how specific types of DNA changes in brain cells might contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other related memory conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11132971 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our cells can create controlled DNA changes that are important for how they work, but we don't fully understand how these changes affect conditions like Alzheimer's. We recently found that these specific DNA changes happen in important areas of brain cells and may help reshape how genes are used. This project will look closely at how these DNA changes are controlled and what happens when they go wrong in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We believe that carefully managed DNA changes are key to preventing these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients at this stage, but future clinical applications would likely focus on individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and potentially treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by targeting these specific DNA processes.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of programmed DNA damage is emerging, our team has recently published findings suggesting its importance in brain cells, indicating a promising new direction.

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 syndrome
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.